REEDLEY – Building on its efforts from last summer, the Reedley Lions Club is doing its part to help community members in need stay hydrated.
On July 16-17, the Reedley Lions Club set up shop at Pioneer Park to gather cases of water bottles for Poverello House, a Fresno-based nonprofit that provides shelter, food and social services to those in need. Thanks to a number of community donations, the Lions were able to gather 168 cases of water which were delivered on July 18.
“We love to help the community,” said Ramon Romero, second vice president for the Reedley Lions Club. “If someone asks and we can do it, we’ll do it.”
The Lions first collaborated with Poverello House last year, when the organization found itself in need of more water during the hot summer months. With temperatures now rising once again, so too are the needs of Poverello’s recipients, prompting the two groups to partner up for a second year.
Expanding slightly on last year’s efforts, Romero explained that he added a second day for donation dropoffs in hopes of securing a few more cases of water. Donations were also open to cash and digital transfers, which were used to purchase more cases before making the final dropoff.
As of July 17, Romero had reported at least $500 donated from the community, with more coming in that same day. He added that the generosity came from not just Reedley, but also surrounding cities like Dinuba, Kingsburg and Orange Cove.
The Lions’ goal for this water bottle drive was to surpass last year’s total of around 139 cases, and as a result of the community’s involvement and the work of volunteers, they did just that.
