Mehlville Lions Club Fire Truck Restoration Project
The Mehlville Lions Club was founded in 1969 with 24 charter members, because the Concord Village Lions closed their doors as its membership was to large. In 1975, the Oakville Lions was established with two of our Charter members; Lion Chuck Amsler and Lion Frank Wagner, as the Guiding Lions. Since 1969, every dollar raised by our clubs has been given back to the community. Lions are affiliated with sight, we collect used eye glasses and distribute them to the less fortunate. The funds we raise are donated to the Missouri School for the Blind, local charities, aid our neighbors who are down on their luck, provide scholarships to Mehlville and Oakville students and other local services.
Over the past decade membership has declined but the need for our contributions has not. Our fast paced society has reduced our free time. People network through Facebook but not face to face.
In 2005, Oakville and Mehlville Lions joined together to better help our communities. Over the past couple years too many of our members have passed away. Our losses have taken the last two Charter members, several veteran Lions and one of our youngest Lions. With the passing of Lion David Stark (Mehlville Fire & Fey Funeral Home) our club has been gifted with this local historic fire truck. In these pictures the paint is dull, parts are missing and tires are worn. Our Lions members see a shinny multi-purpose support system. Sporting Lions International Logos, a built in BBQ pit, a “kickin” sound system and much more. After 40 years of service to our community, we are asking for something back. We want to restore this unique fire truck as a symbol of our dedication and service to our community. It will become our social networking vehicle in this decade. We will be in parades, parking lots and relevant community events. We will BBQ, educate and grow our organization with new members and new ideas. We will have a face in our community again, much like that of any small town America. We can help preserve our neighborhoods and businesses with moral values and compassion.
Lionism is a way of life, it’s a dedication to the community, our neighbors and those with sight based needs. You see our classy yellow vest at fund raisers and events. We visualize these vests, with their pins and medals, as record books of achievements and leadership training. You may have donated a few dollars and tasted our mints or been to one of our Trivia Nights that have tested your brain. Maybe, unfortunately you might not even know who we are.
This is why we need your help. Our vision of this decade is of growth and more community involvement. We see fund raisers and networking events at local business. We envision grandparents and young adults working side by side to raise money for a Leader Dog for your visually impaired neighbor. You look at us and wonder what we do. Our members focus on the resources we have and who needs them most.
This community needs us and all the silent things we do. We need this vehicle to be successful. We, want to provide even more in the next forty years than our honored members who have served us all. Do you see the smiles on the faces of the dedicated Lions and Lions in waiting? Can you visualize how your contribution can help preserve and empower our organization into the future?
Your tax deductable donations are greatly appreciated and will benefit us all. We will honor our contributors. Visionary, Focused and Seeing Sponsors will be honored with a plaque on the fire truck.
- Visionary Sponsors Minimum $1,000 Donation
- Focused Sponsors Minimum $500 Donation
- Seeing Sponsors Minimum $250 Donation
- Spotting Contributors Any Donation
Make checks payable to Mehlville Lions Club. Write for the Fire Truck on the check. 2518 Lemay Ferry Rd., PO BOX 321, Mehlville, MO. 63125 Or Phone 314-768-0080 and someone will return your call. E-mail questions to: Geoff@all-teriorsystems.com