Xenia Lions Club disbands, gives remaining funds to another nonprofit

Two Xenia Lions club members present a check. CONTRIBUTED

Two Xenia Lions club members present a check. CONTRIBUTED

After 100 years, the Xenia Lions Club has disbanded, but not before voting to give its remaining funds to a nonprofit that helps people with developmental disabilities.

The local club, which began in 1920, dissolved because of its struggles with declining membership and getting younger people to join, former leaders said.

Over its years of service, the club held community fundraisers, collected eyeglasses that were donated to developing countries, collected hearing aids that were donated to St. Rita’s School for the Deaf and collected cellphones that were donated to a women’s shelter.

They also hosted Christmas dinners and sponsored Fourth of July car shows and fireworks at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

Before disbanding, the club transferred its remaining funds, $810, to Toward Independence; the nonprofit in Xenia provides services in six counties to more than 200 people with developmental disabilities.

“The members voted and chose Toward Independence to receive these funds because they felt the money would be put to good use to support the people who Toward Independence serves,” said Rodger Sanders, past president of the Xenia Lions Club.

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