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GARWIN -- The Garwin Lions Club's reporting fiscal year ended on June 30, 2026 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). The club, which consists of 17 members, hosted four fundraisers, participated in five community projects and was able to disburse $3,400 in donations to the community and other organizations.
• Fundraisers
To raise money for its projects and donations, the Lions hosted the following community activities:
July 5, 2025 Freedom Days Breakfast - Community Center
Nov. 4, 2025 Election Day Souper - Yilek Store
March 4 Fish Fry - Yilek Store
March 27 Fish Fry - Yilek Store
All of the events were free-will offering and were well-attended by people from Garwin and surrounding communities. After expenses, the club raised $3,900 from these fundraising activities.
• Activities
The Club participated in various community projects.
KidSight screenings (GMG, South Tama, Meskwaki Settlement). Coordinated by Mike Richardson, elementary students have their eyesight screened and reported to the Iowa Lions Kidsight program. Participation is voluntary and screening is intended to detect any eyesight problems which are then communicated to parents. Mike and his crew were able to screen 105 students in the late fall and early winter.
Garwin Park Cleanup. Club members trimmed trees and trimmed the Garwin park in preparation for Freedom Days.
Main Street Parking Lines. Club members repainted parking lines on Main Street in preparation for Freedom Days and the weekly "Music In The Park" concerts in the summer.
Upkeep of Garwin's Welcome Signs. This is a yearly project which is chaired and organized by Ron Groth.
• Donations
The Garwin Lions donates money to various organizations, concentrating on local groups. The club donated a total $2,200 to the following organizations: Garwin Fire Department Building Fund - new fire station; Iowa Lions Foundation; Lions Club International Foundation; Garwin Lions GMG HS Scholarship – 2-$300 scholarships; South Tama County Food Pantry; Camp Courageous – Monticello; GMG After-Prom; Camp Hertko Hollow - diabetes camp for children; GMG Activities; Garwin Little League; Garwin American Legion (William M. Saunders Post 71) - Flag Replacement Project.
• Meeting Presentations
The club holds monthly meetings (2nd Thursday of the month) and, if possible, have an outside program or presentation. The programs in 2025-26 were:
Casey Schmidt - Tama Co Sheriff - August
Claude Smith Legion Flag replacement - January
Fire station tour - Rick Raymond - February
Mike Miller - Nevada flag project - April
Ashley Kajer - EMT and ambulance presentation - May
Joe Parks - Tractor show presentation – June
Current Lions Members: Curt Bacon, Keith Barloon, Matt Deam, Abe Dieleman, Leland Frahm, Greyson Fraser, Jaimie Gargas, Ron Groth, Jim Hlas, Matt Jackson, Willie Karsjen, Derek Kienzle, Alan Kouba, Kenny Mayo, Mark Polich, Mike Richardson, Jim Sandquist, Leroy Thoms.
The Garwin Lions Club always welcomes new members; those interested in joining a group dedicated to serving the community, attend one of the meetings and see what we are all about. We meet the second Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in the Garwin Community Center.