WOODBURY — The Woodbury community swells with pride as the local Leos Club starts up again this fall. Much like the Woodbury Lions Club, the Woodbury Leos Club is a volunteer program for middle and high schoolers made to help out in the community.
Last year’s projects included raising money for guide dog vests, volunteering at the soup kitchen, donating to senior centers and food banks, and working with pediatric hospice centers.
“We give a lot back to the community. Doing community service hours, working at the soup kitchen, and we do the Woodbury food bank,” says Leos Club advisor and Nonnewaug school nurse Sandy Snabaitis. “We’re always thinking about our community in Woodbury and Bethlehem.”
That’s not all the Leos and Lions clubs have in store. Some of the money earned by the Lions Club goes into the Woodbury scholarship fund, given to seniors to help pay for college.
Not only will joining the Leos Club look good on a college and job application, but it increases students’ chances to be eligible for the Lions Club’s scholarships. The Lions Club from most towns have scholarships they give out to students. Forms come to the guidance office in spring, where it states requirements and guidelines for eligibility. There is an interview portion where the Lions Club meets with applicants in person, and the more volunteer hours a student has, the better the application looks.
Coming up soon is setup for the Lions Club’s Haunted Hayride on Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29. This event includes painting pumpkins, working on the hayride, and making baked goods to sell. Students love working for and with their community during these opportunities.
“Whether it be setting up a food drive, volunteering at the soup kitchen, or making Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens, at the end of the day, kindness goes a long way,” said sophomore Sarah Gilroy, who joined the club as a freshman.
Volunteering in the Leos Club is not required to apply for the scholarship, but it is recommended. With countless ways to give back to your home town, there is never a limit on members. The Leos hope to foster a loving circle of students and staff, never turning away a smiling face.
“I would recommend [the Leos Club] to others because you get to hangout with your friends while also getting to make a positive impact on the community,” says Gilroy. “It’s a great feeling to know that you are able to do something that will affect people and make their day a little better.”
