Submitted by Hilary Kumnick
(September 13, 2023) — On September 8, 2023, Killingworth Lions President Karen Vecchitto met with Killingworth Elementary School (KES) Principal Dennis Reed to share a first shipment of twelve backpacks filled with school supplies for use in the classrooms and students’ homes.
Lions President Vecchitto (above photo, left, with Reed) left shared her thoughts with Principal Reed on the Lions’ commitment to youth initiatives, education, and community needs, stating: “Please reach out to the Killingworth Lions and we’ll try to support you any way we can.” Reed responded with: “These essential materials will go a long way toward helping so many students. Thank you district and local Lions for thinking of us here at KES!”
The materials were largely purchased from a Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) grant supporting the distribution of 300 backpacks in Tolland, Windham, New London and Middlesex County schools. These four counties comprise District 23C. The balance of the funding came from the Killingworth Lions and other 23C clubs.
District 23C Cabinet officials recently gathered in East Hampton and formed assembly lines, stuffing each backpack with a folder, loaded zippered pencil cases, rulers, a report cover, markers, crayon boxes, and many other items useful to elementary students.
The Killingworth Lions offer annual Vision Screening to KES children utilizing our state-of-the-art Spot Vision camera equipment and the Lions responded in a major way by partnering with the PTO to purchase and install new lower playground equipment to KES.
The Killingworth Lions are constantly looking to expand our activities, service impact and roster as they meet ever-increasing community needs and try to honor requests for humanitarian help. “More hands make light work” and we welcome citizens to become Lions by requesting they “give as little or as much time as you are able” in these busy times. Please contact the Killingworth Lions at www.killingworthlions.org to acquire your Application Form.
Lions take on some of the greatest challenges facing our communities and the world through the service of 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs in 200+ countries and the grant funding support of our foundation. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. At Lions International, we are serving a world in need.
Photo by Hilary Kumnick
