Lions Club supports foster youth

TIFFIN — Children going into foster care in Seneca County may soon have a suitcase filled with essential items and comfort belongings, thanks to a coordinated service project led by local Lions Clubs. "Pack a Suitcase" is an effort to provide items such as clothing, toiletries, blankets, and comfort items that can be given to children when they are removed from a home and placed into protective care. The supplies are also available for foster parents to help meet immediate needs. Ohio Zone 2 Chair Patty Fry said she was inspired to bring the project home after hearing about a similar effort at last year's District 2 Convention. "I thought it was a good idea, so we decided to start to organize a local effort," she said. Fry began by reaching out to Seneca County Job and Family Services, where she learned of the agency's intentions to store similar items in a shed donated by the Seneca County Leadership Class of 2025. "It honestly was just perfect timing, everything worked out for us to help fill their shed," added Fry. When children enter protective services, they often leave home with few personal belongings- if any. According to Fry, providing a suitcase with necessities helps to restore dignity and comfort during a difficult transition. "They are not in that position by choice; It's not their fault," she said. "Having something of their own is something everyone deserves." In Seneca County, there are seven Lions Clubs: Attica, Bascom, Bloomville, Fostoria, Old Fort, Republic, and Tiffin. Fry coordinated collections at zone meetings throughout the fall and winter, assigning items based on need, cost and clothing sizes most in demand. Those with greater fundraising capacity took on the higher end items and sizes commonly needed by children, such as sizes 7-8 and 10-12. Their generosity, according to Fry, exceeded her expectations. "How generous every Lions Club in Seneca County was — it was overwhelming," she said. "They embraced the project and supported it tenfold of what I thought we were going to do." The items were presented Feb. 4 during a Zone 2 meeting in Tiffin to Seneca County Job and Family Services staff. In addition to projects like Pack a Suitcase, Lions Clubs provide community assistance including disaster relief, support for families facing hardship, childhood cancer initiatives, and eyeglasses for children and adults who cannot afford them. While next year's zone project may focus on a different need, Fry said the Lions stand ready to assist Job and Family Services if future needs arise. "Our motto is, 'We serve,'" she said. "And we are always looking for new club members, so if you see us out be sure to express your interest."