Lions Club helping fill void with turkey giveaway

By Jan Schulz
Imperial Republican Correspondent
As many families on government assistance or others also struggling to make ends meet, the Imperial Lions Club is stepping up to help fill the void.
As Thanksgiving and the holidays near, the club earmarked $500 from its club funds to provide free turkeys to Imperial area families from local grocery stores. In addition, two anonymous donors contributed $500 each toward the effort, providing $1,500 in total funds for the project.
Lions President Tammy Siverson said the current government shutdown uncertainties and its effect, in part, on local families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and the cost of food in general, came up at their meeting earlier this month. Club vice president Chris Bustillos challenged the club to take on the project.
 After some discussion, the club voted to provide certificates for free turkeys at both grocery stores in Imperial - Hill’s Family Foods and Imperial Super Foods.
Certificates will be available, one per family, at the Chase County Pantry in the Imperial city office complex during the pantry’s open hours, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays.
Individuals can then take the certificate to either store and exchange it for the turkey, Siverson said. There are no restrictions on who can receive a turkey, Siverson said.
With the Lions’ donation and the anonymous funds, Siverson said the project should be able to provide about 75 turkeys.
Lions club members realize many in the community are struggling right now.
“Thanksgiving Day is a good time to recommit our energies and give thanks and give to others,” Siverson said.
She added, “This is the time of year that the community needs to come together and support each other.”
Siverson said the club is able to provide such service projects as this turkey giveaway because of the support from the community of its two major fundraisers each year - bingo at the Chase County Fair and its summer peach sales.