Members of the Hershey Lions Club recently volunteered to help Derry Township beautify Gelder Park in Hummelstown. The Lions Club planted five trees in the park. Steve Gallerizzo, Lions Club president and coordinator of the tree planting, noted that one of the club's objectives is to protect and restore the environment. The club has helped with tree plantings in Derry Township for several years.

Additionally, the Hershey Lions Club recently launched its annual Sight and Service Campaign. This initiative raises funds to help Derry Township residents, and all funds received through the effort go back to the public in the form of service projects and donations. Since its beginning, the club has collected almost $100,000 through the campaign.

Money raised through the campaign allows the Lions to benefit the community, not just through financial support, but also through acts of hands-on service. Some projects in the community include eye exams and glasses for residents in need, local student scholarships, sponsorship of youth sports teams, medical equipment assistance, support of the Hershey Food Bank, providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House, disaster response, Grace United Methodist Church's "Ready for School" project and tree planting.

Donations can be made to the Lions' foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all contributions are fully tax deductible. Club members prepared mailers recently, but anyone in the community may contribute. To learn how to donate by mail, visit http://www.hersheylions.org and scroll down to "Annual Sight & Service Campaign."

The Hershey Lions Club recently resumed in-person meetings at Grace United Methodist Church, 433 East Main St., Hummelstown. Lions Clubs are groups of men and women that identify needs within the community and work together to meet those needs. For more information, visit the aforementioned website.