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On Tuesday, the LaGrange Lions Club welcomed new elected officials and gave out locally raised donations to special community projects and organizations. According to its website, the Lions Clubs is an international service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.

The LaGrange chapter of the Lions Club works to provide philanthropic services and raise donations for local organizations and businesses in need.

The recipients of the donations raised were Keith Schuermann of the LaGrange Memorial Library, Michele Bedingfield of Harmony House, Mike Wilson of New Ventures, Kevin Stringham of Camp Viola, and Paul Stedman of LaGrange Personal Aid.

“This generous donation brings us one step closer to completing our construction project. The Lions donated funds for our very first computer in the early 80’s,” said Schuermann. “That donation helped us introduce automation. Forty years later, we are so pleased to see that the Lions of LaGrange still value and support our public library services”.

According club documents, the LaGrange Memorial Library received $10,000 to help fund renovations to the library. Camp Viola received $10,000 to assist the completion of their dining hall. LaGrange Personal Aid received $14,500 to help continue their mission of providing services to those in need in the local community. Harmony House received $2,000 to help continue their mission of helping women and children in domestic situations have a safe place and resources. New Ventures received a total of $2,000, $1,000 for the organization and $1,000 for its homeless coalition.

“In our nearly 10 years of running, we have contributed $300,000 to local causes and organizations,” said Shane Frailey, 2021 club president.

During the meeting, the Lions Club unveiled their new line up of elected club officials for the 2022 term. Taking the place of Frailey as the club president is Ashley McCoy. Frailey now holds the title of LCIF Coordinator.

“I’m so glad that we’re able to help you with in all the things that you’ve done every day in the community,” McCoy said to Frailey. “Thank you for your leadership over the last two years.”