The Lakewood Knights Lions Club exists as an example of humanitarian service in this community.

"We are a family that cares for the community, and the community is our family," said Balarie McLeod, president of the organization.

Her words hearken back to the history and mission of the Lions. Founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader and the son of an Army veteran, the Lions Clubs International is a global leader in community and humanitarian service. "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," said Jones. Building on that belief, currently there are 45,000 clubs comprised of 1.35 million members that represent the world's largest service organization.

"We are a community service organization dedicated to helping others," said Ed Hildebrandt, the Lakewood Lions' charter president, before a recent meeting at Clover Park Technical College. "This club is a nice cross section of the community of which about 75 percent are retired military."

Charles Gilchrist personifies the desire to serve. "I like to serve; I am very community oriented," said the Army veteran. "When I see someone benefit from what we do - like providing help to those who need it - I derive a great deal of satisfaction."

The organization also provides food baskets, works with the City of Lakewood to maintain play areas, donates to the Pierce County Diabetes Association for diabetes screening and also collects used eyeglasses from the community.

There is an interesting bit of history surrounding the procuring of eyeglasses for different organizations to distribute in third world countries. "Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness"? queried Helen Keller in a 1925 speech to the Lions Clubs International Convention. Deaf and blind since she was 18 months old, Keller became a tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities.

The Lions took up Keller's challenge and have never let go. "There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction in serving others," said Dan Allen, a 29-year veteran of the Lakewood Lions. "We are people who live in the community, and the work we do is uplifting."

The Lakewood Knights Lions Club is actively seeking members.  For more information, visit www.lakewoodknightswa.lionwap.org or call (253) 581-7631.