LG Noon Lions Observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Host Snack Drive for Presley’s Power

This is a recurring monthly column that focuses on community service written by La Grange community Lions.

Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) has identified five global causes, which present significant challenges to humanity including childhood cancer. LCIF provides funding support to Lions and has developed strategic partnerships to help improve outcomes for children with cancer. Global statistics from the World Health Organization say that each year, more than 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally. This means that a child is diagnosed with cancer every 2 minutes. In the United States alone over 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in children in this country.

Presley Belle Frank of La Grange was diagnosed with A.L.L. (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) when she was only four months old, and she passed away at 14 months. She spent much of her time when she was ill at San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). Once she passed, Presley’s Power was started in her honor by her family. Presley’s Power aims to bring joy to children and their families while in the hospital. Presley’s Pantry was also formed by the family of Presley and is located on the Pediatric Oncology floor at SAMMC. The pantry is stocked with snacks and drinks.

The La Grange Noon Lions Club is hosting a “Snack Drive” to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to support Presley’s Power during the week of Sept. 14-18 with drop off locations in La Grange at any of five different locations at:

• Catholic Union of Texas (KJT) 214 East Colorado Street, La Grange

• WoodmenLife, 742 South Jefferson Street, La Grange

• Land Brokers, 2379 West Hwy 71, La Grange

• Fayette Savings Bank, 111 East Travis Street, La Grange

• Round Top State Bank, 2010 West Hwy 71, La Grange

Snack items needed include; Capri Sun drinks, hot cocoa mix packets, Gatorade (no red color), and individually wrapped packets of cheese/peanut butter crackers, Rice Krispy Treat Cereal Bars, chocolate chip cookies, Kraft Mac and Cheese (individual bowls), Ritz Cheese Crackers, and Goldfish (regular cheddar flavor.)

All snack items will be used to stock the pantry and provide support to parents with children facing the challenges of cancer. Cash donations are also accepted through the La Grange Noon Lions Club and will be used exclusively to purchase snack items for Presley’s Pantry.

The La Grange Noon Lions Club was founded in 1928 with a mission quite simply. To Serve.

If you are interested in learning more about how Lions serve the community, or are interested in becoming a member of the club, contact Lion Sam Wilson, Treasurer, La Grange Noon Lions Club at sam@offln.com (713) 408-3317.