Hill City Lions Club roars for more members

The Hill City Lions Club is hosting a membership drive Jan. 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Hill City Center in hopes of attracting some new members to one of Hill City’s vital community organizations. 

The Lions Club has been active in Hill City since the 1980s according to Stefanie Doaty, current club president. Doaty and her husband, Carl, will soon leave the community and are worried about the void in the club once they are gone.

“We are looking for new members, as with any organization, especially in a small town,” said Doaty. “Current members, including Carl and myself, are leaving the community, and we are not able to be members and help anymore,” Doaty said. “We are looking for people to come in and step up and join the organization.”

The club provides various community services including scholarships, flood relief, support for the community food pantry and providing eye exams and eyeglasses to community members. 

The club also hosts a series of events such as the Rubber Duck race and bingo nights to benefit different community needs, including the new ambulance building, the school district Angel Fund, post prom and many other organizations. 

“We just do so much,” said Doaty. “Without members, the Lions Club will have to fold.”

Attached to the Lions Club is the high school’s Leo Club, which will also fold without the main organization. 

“The Leo Club is a great organization for the kids in our school district because it teaches them about volunteering and about giving their time without wanting or looking for any recognition,” said Doaty. “And to me, I think become a better individual.”

Joining the Lions Club helped Doaty meet other community members and get involved. 

“When my family moved here eight years ago, I obviously didn’t know anybody,” Doaty said. 

Hill City resident and Lions Club member Bob Lowrey encouraged Doaty to join. 

“It allowed me to meet new people and make new friends and acquaintances that I will always remember,” Doaty said.  “It also helped my family and showed my kids what it’s like to be involved in the community.”

When her son, Riley, graduated from Hill City High School, he held the most volunteer hours for a Leo Club member. Doaty’s 12-year-old daughter Emily likes to get involved as well. 

“She’s been helping and volunteering with Lions Club stuff for the last two years and absolutely loves it,” said Doaty. “It warms my heart to be able to see that my kids saw me and Carl doing that and volunteering, and they want to do that too.” 

New members from the drive will be offered half off of their membership fees for the remainder of the fiscal year, bringing the cost down to $43.

The club meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Hill City Center.

“It’s just a great organization where you can feel proud of being part of the community and helping the community that you love so much,” Doaty said. 

If you are interested in joining the Lions Club or want to learn more about the organization, the membership drive provides a great opportunity to learn how you can be a part of helping out in your community.