The Hope Lions Club have made the delivery of a heavy box of groceries to local families in need just a few days before Christmas a tradition over the past several decades. Part of the proceeds raised from a three-day auction in early December help pay for the groceries, which were bought this year from Super One. 

After a barbecue lunch from Sheba’s Catering, the boxes began to be loaded into trucks, trailers and cars.  Lion member Eddie Garcia, with a flatbed trailer, drove out with the most boxes, 20.  From there Lions drove out, addresses in hand, to deliver the boxes to families approved to receive them. Of about 200 applicants, 120 representing those with the greatest need, were chosen. 

So special deliveries went out along the roads in Hempstead County today starting around 1:00 p.m. Deliveries were made to places as far away as Washington and as near at hand as Mockingbird Street, just outside the Fair Park entrance. It took about two hours for some drivers to deplete their first load and return for a few more boxes to give out. 

For most Lions, the reward of making some Christmases merrier was a sufficient draw, but as a member myself, I could tell that just getting together with fellow Lions of long or new acquaintance was also what compelled so many to take part in today’s work.