By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – The Northborough Lions Club’s recent donation of $2,500 to the Northborough Food Pantry will help the pantry purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and meat, which the pantry distributes to 75 families each week.
The Lions Club is an international service organization. The club is volunteer-based and all funds raised throughout the year are put back into the community.
King Lion Kate Shaw is in her second term and the first female to serve in the role for the Northborough club.
“We make our donation to the Food Pantry a priority for our club because of the work they do for people in need in Northborough,” she said.
Northborough Food Pantry director Ann Taggart could not be happier with the pantry’s new location at 37 Pierce St., which they have occupied for a year. It allows room for more refrigerators, which helps them to distribute more fresh fruits, vegetables and meat.
“The space is brighter and cheerier for both patrons and volunteers,” said Taggart.
Scouting for Food in November is one of the biggest efforts to stock the pantry, and at this time of year, shelves are running low. Canned soups, tuna fish, granola bars, canned pastas, jelly and condiments are always needed. Donated items can be dropped off to the pantry while the building is open, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the area just outside their door. More information can be found at www.nfpantry.org.
The Lions Club’s major fundraiser is an annual golf tournament, which will be held on Monday, June 6, at Juniper Hill Golf Course. A calendar raffle is held each winter and a meat raffle is held in the spring.
“Last year, we were able to donate over $15,000 to different charities, organizations and individuals based on our fundraising efforts,” said Shaw.
The club is dedicated to the blind and visually impaired and donates funds annually to the Massachusetts Eye Research Fund. If students are confidentially identified as needing glasses, hearing aids, or other services related to sight and hearing, the club provides financial assistance for those services.
In addition to the Northborough Food Pantry, the Lions Club sponsors other local programs such as Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans (NEADS), which provides service dogs to veterans; a scholarship through Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School; and camp sponsorships for two kids to attend Clara Barton Camp and Camp Sunshine. It also purchased and maintains the Northborough community sign in the center of town.
For sponsorship or participant information on the Lions Club golf tournament or for anyone interested in joining the club and serving the Northborough community, email [email protected].