That’s the main goal of the Chippewa Lions, a community service organization located right here in Chippewa. Since 1956, the group has been living out their mission in various ways.
“When we see something or someone in the community that needs assistance, we step in to help out,” said Chippewa Lions President Doug Pavkovich.
The Chippewa Lions serve our community in a multitude of ways. The organization has a scholarship program for students who attend Beaver County Christian School and the Blackhawk School District. They support the Beaver County Women’s Center, Adoption Connection, Beaver County Association for the Blind, the Lighthouse in New Brighton, local food pantries, and Meals on Wheels in Darlington. They also provided money for student lunches during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Chippewa Lions additionally work to provide support for the visually impaired. They contribute money for large print books at Chippewa Library and had a Vision Eye machine installed there. The group has also collected over 50,000 eyeglasses for recycling and provides eyeglasses and hearing aids for qualifying individuals.
The organization was also part of a group that helped raise funds for providing the first cochlear implant in Beaver County for a local student. When another area family was raising funds for a diabetic service dog, Chippewa Lions assisted them financially.
“That’s part of being a Lion,” Doug said. “You help [not only] your community, but every community. We help out no matter where we are at.”
In order to provide these types of services, Chippewa Lions holds several fundraisers throughout the year. Currently, they are offering three opportunities to support their work – through a raffle, their Christmas Tree Sale, and their ongoing broom sale program.
The lucky winner of the raffle will receive a Milkhouse Meats gift card. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the end of December. If you’d like to purchase tickets, you can do so by contacting Doug. He can be contacted by phone – 724-601-9268 – or through email at djpsu@comcast.net.
The Chippewa Lion’s annual Christmas Tree Sale is a 60-year-old tradition where they sell various types and sizes of Christmas trees and handmade wreaths at the Chippewa Plaza.The sale began the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28. Volunteers are usually there all day on Saturdays and Sundays, and from noon-8pm during the week.
The broom sale program is ongoing. The Chippewa Lions offer brooms made by the Guild for the Blind, which helps support the Guild for the Blind employment program. Brooms can be purchased for $10/piece at the Chippewa Township building.
“The most rewarding part of working with the Lions is knowing that I’m making a difference in the community and being able to help,” Doug said. “But also, the second family that I’ve gained.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Chippewa Lion, Doug invites you to attend one of their meetings or contact him with any questions. The Chippewa Lions meet on the first and third Thursdays at 6:30pm at Yolanda’s. Their Facebook Page can be checked for updates.
“We’d love to have anyone come and join. Everyone has a role to play and something to add. We have people from all walks of life come together,” Doug added.
To learn more about the Chippewa Lions, please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/chippewalions
