Mick Welding submitted this press release earlier.
Morrison Lions fulfilled two service projects honoring Earth Day (Monday, April 22, 2024,) on two, consecutive Saturdays in April. On Saturday, April 13, several members cleaned up trash along a one-mile stretch of U. S. Route 30, east of Morrison, IL. Left-to-right were Aaron Johnson, Darlene Smith, Sue Costello, Denice Smith, and Jim Blakemore. Bob Countryman also helped and was the photographer.
On Saturday, April 20, the Morrison Lions provided a Community Recycling event at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds. Lions members with our community partners provided the community with fast and efficient service, during the three-hour event. Both of these service projects have been completed for many years by our club, as we fulfill our motto–We Serve.
Below, on Recycle Day, Lions and Future Farmers of America Chapter workers sorted scrap metal.
Regarding the successful community recycling event, here are some statistics of interest. The FFA Chapter workers (below) were busy, as they sorted 8354 lbs. of metal and electronics! There were a large variety of items received–ranging from large appliances down to small household items. Boy Scout Troop 96 and Cub Scout Troop 328 collected 340 pounds of aluminum cans! This was their second highest total pounds collected during the last six recycling events.
From the over 200 cars passing through the route, our Lions Club collected 167 pairs of glasses; 32 cell phones; 165 small ink cartridges; four hearing aids; 1/2 pound of keys; 50 pairs of tennis shoes. These items are taken to the Lions of Illinois Foundation office, located in DeKalb, IL.
Paper, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, and soft-covered books filled a trailer to the brim. The paper shredding truck was kept busy throughout the morning. Morrison Police collected ammunition and unused medications. Lions collected a number of car batteries.
The Club is appreciative of the generous donations received at the recycle event from community members who dropped off items to recycle. Due to this generosity the Lions will be able to donate a portion of the money received to the Troup 96, Key Club, and the FFA Chapter, as young people from these groups did a great job helping at the event! Several of the youth volunteers were able to count their hours toward the Sauk Valley Community College Impact program. A donation will also be given to the Whiteside County Fair Board for use of the facility and to the First Presbyterian Church for their volunteers. Any funds remaining will go towards future Lions community projects.
In addition to our thanks to all the volunteers at the event and community members who donated, we thank our generous community partners and sponsors. They include the City of Morrison staff; TBK Bank; Farmers National Bank; 1st Gateway Credit Union; Resthave Care & and Rehabilitation; Republic Services; Kunes Auto Group of Morrison; Car Quest; The American Legion; Yarbrough Appliance; Ron Shank. We also thank Joe Robbins, Doug Kuehl, and Brandon Peppers for the donated use of trailers and a dump truck.
Without the cooperation and support of the community and these great partners we could not have held a successful Recycle Day event. Mark your calendars for next year’s recycling event, Saturday, April 26, 2025, again at the Fairgrounds.
Morrison Lions meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at noon at Happy Joe’s Pizza, 109 W. Main Street, in Morrison. Anyone interested in learning more about Lions and our motto, WE SERVE, can check our website at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/morrisonil/contact.php.