Community Service Projects Completed

During the 2004-2005 Lions Club year, several significant community service projects were completed. These projects were in addition to the normal sight and hearing services provided by the club.

• On September 12, 2004, club members grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for a gathering of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. It was in interesting day.
  
  
• On March 2, 2005, club members participated in the Read Across America program at Rowan Elementary School. A lot of books were read to a lot of smiling and appreciative elementary students.
  
  
• On March 25, 2005, the Hattiesburg Lions Club sponsored our 58th annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. Sponsored in conjunction with the Hattiesburg Recreation Department and Access Recreation at The University of Southern Mississippi, the hunt was held at Vernon Dahmer Park with over 400 children enjoying the fun.
  
  
• On May 27, 2005, club members grilled hamburgers and served cold drinks during a blood donor drive at United Blood Services in Hattiesburg. It was an enjoyable way to serve the community.

Lions International President Visits

• During our 2003-2004 Lions Club year, Lions Clubs International President Dr. Tae-Sup "TS" Lee and his wife Haing-Ja visited Hattiesburg as part of the 80th Anniversary celebration of the Biloxi Lions Club.
  
  
• During our 2002-2003 Lions Club year, Lions Clubs International President Kay K. Fukushima and his wife Denise visited the Hattiesburg Lions Club, to participate in the club's 75th Anniversary celebration. Mr. Fukushima was the keynote speaker during a dinner at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center.
  
  
• The visits included a tour of the University of Southern Mississippi DuBard School for Language Disorders. The DuBard School is the recipient of two Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) grants and the International Presidents were able to see the grant dollars at work. Click for more information concerning the DuBard School visit.
  

• The Hattiesburg Lions Club recently prepared and shipped over 3,000 eyeglasses to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Roanoke, Virginia. These glasses were collected using recycling boxes at area vision centers.
  
  A significant number of glasses were also contributed through an eyeglass collection project by the Delta Gamma Sorority at the University of Southern Mississippi. The recycled glasses will be used for eyesight projects around the world.

• The Hattiesburg Lions Club strongly supports the Lions-Quest Workshop Program. This is an exciting program for educators, students, and parents. Please click for more information.

• The DuBard School for Language Disorders at the University of Southern Mississippi is strongly supported by he Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the Lions of Mississippi. Please click to learn about Lions Clubs International involvement in this project.

Awards & Recognition

Lion of the Year

• Lion Larry Bellipanni was named the 2004-2005 Lion of the Year by the Hattiesburg Lions Club. Lion Larry is deeply involved with all community service aspects or our club.

Melvin Jones Fellowship

• Lion Bill Martin was named a Melvin Jones Fellow. This is the highest award presented by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in recognition of humanitarian service to the community. Bill was particularly cited for this long-time dedication to the club and his commitment to the annual Poinsettia Sales Fundraiser.

Please click to view the Hattiesburg Lions Club service archive.