"We serve" is the well-fitting motto of the Whitehall Lions Club, which is currently celebrating its 62nd year of service in the community.

Its 29 members participate in numerous philanthropic activities, working year-round to raise funds to help people in need. Many of the club's efforts are directed toward its eye-care program that identifies members of the community who are in need of financial assistance to get eye exams or purchase glasses. One of the club's priorities is making sure students receive proper medical attention to correct visual impairments.

Often, the Lions Club will be contacted by a school nurse who has identified a child with impaired vision. If club committee members determine, after a review, that the child's parents have a true financial need, the club will provide funds for the child to receive an eye exam and glasses.

This offer of assistance is extended to adults in the community as well.

However, there is a screening process conducted by the club that determines whether or not a person will financially qualify to receive aid.

Additionally, the Lions Club provides a charitable donation every year to the Center for Vision Loss in Allentown, using some of the funds that they have raised from events during the course of the year.

The club is also noted for its collection and donation of eyeglasses.

Last year, the Whitehall Lions collected 985 pairs of eyeglasses. In District 14-K (the Lehigh and Northampton county division of the Lions Clubs), nearly 25,000 were collected.

Distributing the eyeglasses is "like a blitz week," Vice-President Judy Ott said.

Club members from all around America "go for a week into a needy country, target an area, and examine children and adults in need of medical attention," Ott explained.

People with visual impairments are supplied with eyeglasses with prescriptions that meet their needs.

"Sometimes the club picks places to go after there is a disaster. We went to Haiti after the earthquake and to Sandy Hook last year," Ott said.

Helping those in need, whether they are members of the community or people in another country, is the mission of the Lions Club. The Whitehall Lions are always seeking new members who are eager to volunteer.

"There are no prerequisites to join. If we could get help for just two or three projects a year, we would be thrilled," said Pat Kaligis, a club member.

For a $55 yearly fee, anyone can become a member; men and women of any age are always welcome.

"Anyone can join – anyone who just wants to help out in the community," Ott explained.

The Whitehall Lions Club meets 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at the fellowship community center.

Upcoming events for the Lions Club include the 38th annual sweepstakes drawing held Monday, and the Friendly's Family Fun Night on Sept. 24.

A percentage of the sales from the Friendly's Family Fun Night, held at the Friendly's Restaurant in Whitehall, will be donated to the Lions Club.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Joe Ebner at 610-432-8407 or Judy Ott 610-262-7598.

Additional information about the club is available on its website: www.whitehall-lions.org.