August 17, 2006

Almaden Super Lions Clubs supplies 500 backpacks for local students

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Like decorating for the holidays, the start of the school year heralds a new backpack and a flurry of school supplies. However, for some, even these basic essentials can be unaffordable. With this in mind, members of local Lions Clubs joined together at Bakers Square on Wednesday with helping hands and hearts to pack 500 backpacks for local students in need.

San Jose City Councilmember Nancy Pyle and Almaden Super Lions Club President Tom Smith believe in supporting the community. Photos by Lorraine Gabbert

This Almaden Super Lions annual service project was initiated five years ago by resident Judy Froom upon hearing a request from a mother undergoing chemotherapy who needed backpack and school supplies for her children. Froom realized that if one family was in need, many others probably were as well.

The following year, she led the Almaden Super Lions in packing 100 backpacks. Today, that number has grown to more than 500. Of these backpacks, 300 go to the Franklin McKinley School District, 60 to foster children, six to autistic kids, a few to grandparents raising grandchildren and others to local schools.

Teacher Regina Smith of Oster Elementary School in the Union School District, appreciates their efforts. “I will take some back to my school for children who need them and can’t afford the supplies that everyone else has,” she said. “This is such a boost for them and such a wonderful program, not to mention how great it makes their parents feel. They’re going to be so happy.”

Forming an assembly line, members from Almaden Super Lions, Scales of Justice, San Jose East Valley Lions, Sunnyvale Lions Club and Cupertino Lions Club stuffed new navy blue backpacks with essential school supplies ranging from binders and notebook paper to pencils and colorful markers.

Although the Lions Club covers the majority of the funding for the school supplies, they also receive assistance from Wal-Mart (for school supplies) and Grace Trading (for backpacks).

San Jose City Councilmember Nancy Pyle, who was once a teacher herself, complimented the Lions Club on their project and addressed members on the state of the city and the goals they share. “We both want to help our communities,” she said, “And have a vision for making lives better for others.”

“A new backpack is a self-esteem thing,” says Lions Club Past District Governor Don Simpson. “Some children never had one. It’s just one of the things we do in this club.”

Almaden Super Lions Club President Tom Smith agrees. “There are so many children coming to school with a lack of necessary supplies because their parents can’t afford to pay for them,” he says, “and it affects their self-esteem. If we make a difference to just 10 children by doing this, it will be a big deal.”

Almaden Super Lions meets weekly at Bakers Square on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. For information about joining Lions and participating in service projects, call Dale McElroy at 448-3268.