To Brenda Green, failure is to sit on one’s hands.

Rather than sit idly by, Green has chosen to be a doer, a self-starter, and a real go-getter.

Green volunteers with the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club, where she has been a member for 26 years and currently serves as its vice president. In addition, she also co-chairs the bunny lunch, Breakfast with Santa, and the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club Pink Light Walk.

She also volunteers with Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church in Tamaqua, where she is on the church council and has been its secretary for the past three years, and is also a member of the nominating committee. She is also on the Global Outreach Commission.

Green said one of their yearly endeavors is Operation Christmas Child and noted that this year, they were able to collect for and pack over 200 Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes.

She said she and her husband, Butch, also volunteer for the church’s bi-annual program “Restore,” where several groups work for a week in Tamaqua to improve several properties of those in need. There is also an outreach part of “Restore.”

Her late father, John Boyer, was a volunteer in many positions at his church for over 50 years. He did computer work for the local ambulance organization, and frequented nursing homes with his Springer Spaniel Therapy Dog.

“I guess I try to follow in his footsteps,” said Green, of East Penn Township.

Formerly of Coopersburg, Green said that when she moved to the area 30 years ago, she served on the board of the Lehighton Chamber of Commerce. There, she met the late Linda Dietz-Benner, who recruited her to the Lions Club “and the rest is history.”

“I want to say that I organize events for our club, but the success comes only from the teamwork of our club members and volunteers. I don’t take credit for the results; perhaps only for ‘pushing’ a little so we reach our goals.”

Longtime Lion Bob Silliman described Green. “Brenda Green is a wonderful volunteer in the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club and with her church. She is a true leader and great organizer when it comes to planning,” he said.

Green is always trying to make the organization better.

“Our Lions Club is great for anyone who would like to be a small part or a large part of giving back the community. We are always looking for new members,” Green said.

Green explained why she volunteers.

“My goal has always been not to achieve monetary success, but to make a difference in this world by doing for others without any expectations or accolades,” she said. “I am humbled to be recognized for volunteerism.”

Green described why she believes it’s important to serve one’s community.

“To make a difference, to make someone’s day better, to improve somebody’s life, bring smiles to families,” she said. “Volunteer unselfishly, for no personal gain, and you will share in the happiness.”

In her spare time, Green said she still enjoys working in the family business, GME Manufacturing in New Ringgold, which manufactures and repairs power steering gears and pumps for race cars.

She said her family owns a rare breed of dog, the Sussex spaniel, and has owned the breed for over 22 years. She belongs to the Sussex spaniel Club of America.

Green said she also loves to sing, and enjoys performing with the yearly Zion Ecumenical Choir.

“I am grateful to my husband, Butch, and my son, Peter, for helping me behind the scenes, eating very late dinners many times a year, letting me take over our dining room for preparation of many of our club events, and lastly for supporting me,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without my family.”