KIMBERTON - With numerous projects such as collecting glasses and Lyme Disease education, the Lions Club of Kimberton, Pa. has served the community for over 45 years.

 President Steve Van Nest said the Lions are dedicated to the idea that the men and women who live in the community are in the best position to know who needs help and why.

"We have 45 members in the Lions right now," said Van Nest. "We are very active and try to do a lot of good for the community."

The Lions are one of the world's largest charitable organizations with 1.4 million members serving in more than 180 countries and areas.

Wayne Wisdom, secretary of Kimberton Lions Club, said the Lions assist the community in various ways.

"Our motto is 'We Serve' because we serve the community in so many ways," said Wisdom. "Not only are we fundraisers, we expound on other causes as well. We've been in the forefront in the fight against Lyme Disease. People are more aware of the disease than they were five years ago."

Van Nest said the Lions' fundraising events have been fairly successful.

"The Kimberton Lions over the past three years have collected $36,000, most of it going back into the community," Van Nest said. "We are very active and try to do a lot of good for the community. The public as well as the Lions members enjoy coming to our events. We have 20 regular Lions who are usually there at every event."

The Lions are best known for their sight-related programs, including the Kimberton Lions Recycle for Sight.

"During the month of May every year, we set up collection boxes so the public can drop off their unwanted or unused eyeglasses," said Van Nest. "Collection locations this year included Bader's Market; Gateway Pharmacy; Kimberton Whole Foods; Phoenixville Civic Center; Phoenixville YMCA; Spring Hollow Golf Course; The Phoenix; Truly Yours Cards and Gifts; and Yeager's Farm Market."

Van Nest said the Lions' next event is the annual golf outing this Friday, June 21, 2002.

"We have our golf tournament this week at the beautiful Spring Hollow Golf Course in Spring City," Van Nest said. "We are hoping for a fantastic day of golf, prizes, awards and a super dinner."

"Last year, with thanks to all the golfers, helpers and sponsors, we raised more than $4,000 for the various Lions' activities," said Van Nest.

Tee time for the golf tournament is 1 p.m.

The Lions' are hoping the golf tournament is as eventful as the last affair.

In conjunction with the Kimberton Fire Company, the Kimberton Lions held the club's first annual Night At The Races.

The event was held in the main building of the Kimberton Fire Company on Saturday, May 4, 2002. Some $3,000 was raised for the Fire Company purchase of an infrared camera and for various Lions' charities.

District Justice Theodore Michaels, who was present that night, said their inaugural event was very successful.

"We had a great crowd out there that night," said Michaels. "I don't think there was anyone who had left there that didn't have a good time."

Van Nest said the requirements in becoming a Lion are simple.

"We ask our members to participate in the fundraising events and attend meetings," said Van Nest. "A spirit to work in the community, along with $35 for dues."

"We meet twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays, September through June, at the Moose Lodge in Phoenixville and during July and August, we have picnics," said Van Nest.

For more information on the Lions Club of Kimberton, Pa., contact the Web site at http://www.kimbertonlions.com.

Dennis J. Wright can be reached at dwright@phoenixvillenews.com.