They give back. The members of the Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club (BLLLC) just do what they do: Put others ahead of themselves, together.

Hear them roar.

The BLLLC continues to build on its century-long tradition through altruistic collaboration.

"For me personally, I just always felt a sense of being part of the community," said Mike Proch, who's been the president of BLLLC since June. "I like to give back to the community. I think about my kids. I'd like them to have that community to grow up in."

A group of about 30 like-minded civically oriented individuals, the local chapter is part of an international organization that boasts 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs around the world. BLLLC meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Building, 54 W. Main St., Leola. Sometimes during the summer months, the group meets at Leola Community Park, 23 E. Main St., Leola.

"I think there's a reason folks join," said Proch, who became a Lion about 10 years ago. "My friend invited me to a meeting. When I first joined, I was a little hesitant, but I knew some of the people who were already there. Now it just feels like I've always been there."

"That camaraderie is definitely there," Proch continued. "You do make friends and we do things outside of the club. I had some guys take me under their wings. There's this willingness to help. You have that little bit of mentorship to it."

Operating as a cohesive unit, BLLLC supports a number of local charities though philanthropic activities, including sponsoring East Lampeter Township's Police Officer of the Year award, donating to Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS) and the New Holland Ambulance Association, assisting with the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association and sponsoring achievement awards for students in the Conestoga Valley School District. In addition, the local Lions help sponsor the International Lions and collaborate on events with the New Holland Lions Club.

"The club is about service. We give back to the community, and there's value associated with that," said Proch. "Most of the members are from in and around the community. They come from all different backgrounds. A lot of them are retired, but it's a broad spectrum."

Throughout the year, BLLLC supports its altruistic activities by raising about $10,000 through a pair of fund-soliciting White Cane events, an all-you-can-eat breakfast at Funck's Restaurant in Leola, chicken barbecues and pork barbecue sandwich sales.

"We're doing the best we can," said Proch. "I think there's always a need, especially with ambulance associations, fire companies and groups like that. I think we're fortunate here in Lancaster County; despite some hardships, there's a willingness by people to give."

BLLLC was established in 1927, about 10 years after the Lions International Club was founded. Over the last century, perhaps the local chapter's greatest accomplishment has been its consistency and its ability to adapt to the community's needs.

"I don't know how you quantify something like that, but I'd like to think we've done a lot of good," said Proch. "Like any other organization, we do try to adjust. Our membership has declined over the years. While that's a challenge, it's something the club has always been able to manage and hopefully something we'll be able to manage in the future."

For additional information about BLLLC, search for "Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club" on Facebook.