The Lehighton Area Lioness/Lions Club recently presented checks to 19 local organizations as part of its annual Community Night.

Money raised through club fundraisers was given out at the organization’s annual Community Giving Dinner held at Valley View at Yenser’s,

The group noted its fundraising efforts are held throughout the year, including: Weekly Sunday night bingo; Lehighton May Festival; a meat raffle; participation at the Carbon County Fair; the Pink Light Walk; Pediatric Cancer Ham & Roast Beef Dinner; Pediatric Diabetes Walk; yard sale; soup sale; pizza sale, and doughnut sale.

They also host the Bunny Lunch & Breakfast with Santa, which benefits the children and families in our community.

Organizations that received donations are as follows: Blue Mountain Animal Rescue; CareNet; Carbon County Children & Youth; Family Promise; Jefferson-LVHN; Lehighton Ambulance Association; Lehighton Area Memorial Library and Lehighton Boys & Girls Band Hall.

Also, Lehighton Fire Department; Lehighton Fire Police; Lehighton Police Department; Lehighton Pool Pals; Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors; Peaceful Knights; St Luke’s University Health Network; St Vincent de Paul Society/Lehighton Cold Weather Station; Trees for Troops; Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry, PA Breast Cancer Coalition; and Heart Wings.

“We are able to help these organizations because of the generosity of our community in supporting our fundraising efforts,” said Brenda Green, vice president, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club. “We are part of one of the world’s largest service organizations, and are motivated to make a difference by giving back to our community.”

Green noted they also support a Leo Club and a Cub Club who actively raise money to give back to the community, and noted how they are learning at a young age to make a difference.

She said if anyone is interested in joining the organization, they can find their information on the Lehighton Lioness Lions Club’s Facebook page.

The group posted on its Facebook page that it was an “incredible evening.”

“Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude as we celebrated what being a Lion is truly all about — WE SERVE!” The group added that it proudly presented checks to 19 deserving organizations. “Each of these organizations makes a difference in the lives of others, and we are honored to support the wonderful work they do throughout our communities.”

The post also offered a special congratulations to Wyatt Berger, the group’s “Leo of the Year.”

“We are so proud of Wyatt and his dedication to serving others. Our future is bright with young leaders like him,” the post states.

“We were also proud to support our local hospitals, including St. Luke’s University Health Network, with donations benefiting pediatric diabetes programs, and Lehigh Valley Health Network, with donations benefiting pediatric cancer programs. Helping children and families facing health challenges is especially close to our hearts.”

The group gave a huge thank you to Capriotti’s for catering the evening, and also thanked its members, volunteers, supporters and everyone who helps make their fundraising events successful.

“Our weekly Bingo and other fundraisers make evenings like this possible,” the post states. “Every bingo card purchased, every event attended, and every helping hand allows us to give back to the community we love.

“Community Night is not about what we receive … it’s about what we give. There is no greater feeling than being able to make a difference in someone else’s life.”