Members of the Kempton Lions Club, chartered in 1971, meet the first and third Wednesdays at C.J. Hummels Restaurant, Lenhartsville.

At the club's recent meeting, the Rev. Pearse Frazier gave the invocation thanking God "for the good we are able to do for our neighbors."

This busy group puts effort into living up to the Lions' motto of "We Serve."

Richard Bond is the only remaining charter member.

President Richard Foulke said the club keeps a trailer-load of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds available without cost to those who may need the items.

The club wants to get the word out because word of mouth only reaches a few of those who need help.

The club has raised $100,000 of an estimated $200,000 cost for building a handicapped accessible fishing pier at Leaser Lake in Lynn Township.

The money was donated by local organizations, businesses such as New Tripoli Bank, Lions International and by club fundraisers.

Member Tom Kerr is in charge of this project.

Kempton Lions Club also donates to the Delaware Eye Bank, based in Philadelphia, and the Leader Dog training program. The eye bank recently provided a guest speaker for one of the club's meetings.

Vision screening for children ages 3-7 is provided by the club at the Kempton Fair each year.

Beacon Lodge Camp in Juniata County for vision impaired and people with other disabilities has received thousands of dollars from the Kempton Club.

The club has also provided funds for several people to attend the camp.

Club Secretary Tim Kleinsmith said he visited the camp one year and was very impressed.

The campers had a chicken barbecue and put on a show. Campers were ages 18 to 80 but all ages are accepted. He said the camp is "fabulous."

Fundraisers include hoagie sales directed by Kleinsmith from September to February.

In March, club members go to the equipment sale at the Kempton Community Center where they sell cheesesteaks beginning at 6:45 a.m., but the work begins at 5 a.m.

Christmas baskets are distributed to homebound area residents and members help organize an annual Easter egg hunt.

Awards for Kutztown Area High School seniors are also sponsored.

In June, there is a golf tournament fundraiser at Woodbridge Golf Course in Kutztown.

The farmer who owned the land where the golf course was built has a connection to the Kempton area, Foulke said.

On occasion, there are services needed by families that the club cannot provide.

To help those people get back on their feet, club members interview the family and write a grant proposal for money from the Bing-Miller Foundation.

Seven to eight such grants are given throughout the state each year.

Kempton's proposal was accepted last year and the presentation of a check for $1,000 was described by club members as "very touching."

There at one time was a Kempton Lioness Club but that disbanded a year ago. Before closing down, the Lionesses presented the Lions with a beautiful picture of a lion.

The Kempton Lions Club, which has 21 members, welcomes new members.

Herb Farnsler, who attended the recent meeting, told The Press he moved to the area from central Pennsylvania and joined a few organizations.

Farsler, however, decided to remain with the Lions and recently joined the Kempton club.

Call 610-756-6436 or email rfisgolfin@aol.com for information.