REEDLEY – Local volunteers are planting the seeds — or rather, saplings — for the future of community service.
On April 7, Reedley Lions Club members gathered at the Community Life Garden to help plant three new citrus trees, and to hold a dedication ceremony for them. The brief ceremony marked the extension of a recent collaboration between CLG and the Lions, which has given club members a chance to get outdoors while creating some lasting impact.
“Today we’re planting three trees, but more than that, we are continuing what we stand for as Lions: being rooted in service,” said Angela Avalos, Reedley Lions Club president, during the ceremony. “These trees will take time to grow, just like the work that we do in the community, but with care and consistency, they will provide something such as lasting shade, fruit and a place to gather.”
Much of the food that’s grown at CLG is donated to food distribution centers in surrounding cities, such as Open Gate Ministries, Sandy’s Soup Kitchen and others. The new trees represent the start of a new citrus area at the back of the garden, with the long term goal being to plant additional trees that will produce even more fruit.
Karey Olson, master gardener and cornerstone of CLG, donated a grapefruit tree, and Lions Club member Tina McAndrews donated two lemon trees. A commemorative plaque will eventually rest beside one of the trees, but the club made do with a framed notice while the plaque is being produced.
A few weeks prior to the ceremony, on March 21, Lions and community members visited the garden for a planting day, which saw guests learning how to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables while friends of the Lions trenched the area that would eventually host the trees.
CLG Executive Director David Gonzalez estimated a headcount of around 25 people at the planting day, and through this recent partnership with the Lions Club, he sees plenty of opportunities to grow the garden’s impact within the community.
“I’m looking forward to 2026 as a good year of collaboration,” Gonzalez told the Mid Valley Times. “That’s what it’s all about right now.”
Avalos shared similar sentiments in an interview, saying that as the Lions Club enters another year of community service, she hopes to rise up alongside other organizations.
“We’re hoping that with a collaboration of two clubs, that people are intrigued … you’re always trying to get your community to take an interest,” Avalos said. “Honestly, nonprofits need help, so it’s nice to lean on other nonprofits and say ‘Hey, what can we do?’”
Next on the club’s calendar is the Earth Day Cleanup on April 18, which will be in collaboration with Reedley College Forestry and Natural Resources, the Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce and the Leo Club.
The cleanup will take place behind the Bank of Sierra in Reedley at 8:30 a.m., and those interested can RSVP by calling 559-307-9931.
