With a goal of having 200 flags flying by July 2021, the West Liberty Lions Club will promote their “Flags Over West Liberty” campaign through the holidays in making a “great Christmas gift,” according to President Duane Forbes, it was learned Monday evening at the monthly meeting of the Lions Club held virtually.
The Lions, who already have about 150 flags at local homes and businesses throughout the community, started the program in 2018 in placing eight-foot flag poles with American Flags throughout the community for five holidays throughout the year including Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independent Day, Flag Day and Veteran’s Day.
The annual renewable program is offered to homes and businesses in the community, the Lions raising the flags every holiday and letting them stand sometimes for more than just a day. Dean Beranek is one of the leaders of the program and may be contacted if someone is interested in getting involved in the fundraising community service program by having a flag placed on their property, along with any other Lions Club member.
Hoping to bring more awareness to diabetes, the Lions saw the Nov. 22 University of Iowa Mobile Health Clinic to be held at the First Church United grounds become a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic when it was forced to cancel due to increased positive cases in West Liberty and Muscatine County.
The Lions had hoped to offer free three-minute blood sugar testing at the clinic as well as free healthy snacks to those attending. The Lions hope to accomplish the task at a later date.
In the meanwhile, the club also learned that a free flu shot vaccination clinic is being arranged by Ed Moreno thru the U of I Mobile Clinic when it comes in December.
The Lions also made a first-time donation of $150 to the We Lead organization, the economic development arm of the city of West Liberty.
It was also noted several Lions have volunteered to help with the Volunteer Action Council “Christmas Box” food distribution on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 16-17 to be held at First Church United.
Forbes also said the club is deciding on making contributions to some local organizations struggling in not being able to host fundraisers during the COVID-19 crisis.
“It is a way Lions can help out the community,” Forbes said.
The next Lions meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. as another virtual meeting through Zoom meeting, taking a break through the holidays.