BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

As another busy year of activities by the Upper Lehigh Lions Club drew to a close, President Erin Heintzelman offered thoughts on the members who made so many good things happen.

“I am reminded of the spirit that defines the Upper Lehigh Lions Club – warmth, generosity and the enduring desire to serve,” Heintzelman said. She thanked members for their commitment to service and to the Upper Lehigh community.

Through numerous fundraising efforts, the Lions contributed to local fire companies and EMS, food banks, scholarships for high school seniors, local families in need, the Diabetes Foundation, pediatric cancer programs and organizations which help people with limited eyesight.

One of the Upper Lehigh Lions Club’s last projects for 2025 was the collection of homemade cookies which were donated to the Allentown Rescue Mission.

Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, reports 382 volunteers gathered in November to pack 101,088 meals for the Feed My Starving Children project. The food packages were shipped to the Dominican Republic through mission partner Cross Catholic Outreach. Organizers of the Union UCC project raised $33,000 to make it possible. The packets will feed 276 children for a year.

St. John’s United Church of Christ, Laurys Station, recently gathered donations for the Veterans of the Cross Christmas Fund. For over 100 years, this fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ who are in financial need. Gift checks are sent by the denominations each December to lower income retirees.

Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, offers an elementary youth group which schedules monthly activities, sometimes at the church, other times at recreational sites. The youth group for older students meets 10:15-11 a.m. every Sunday at the church. To learn more, call 610-767-6884.