Members of Lions Clubs from throughout Lancaster County gathered at Lowes in Morgantown on Oct. 21 to fill a tractor-trailer with supplies for flood victims in eastern Kentucky.

Working with Lions Club district governors in that area, the Christiana Lions Club was able to put together a list of needed items such as generators and dehumidifiers. Along with donations, additional items were purchased at a discount from Lowe's.

Helping load the Pennsylvania Lions tractor-trailer was Lowe's employee Jes Henderson, assistant store manager of operations, who drove the forklift. Lions Club members who provided assistance were Dale High from the Intercourse Lions Club, Dick Sware from the Willow Street Lions Club, Paul Shrom from the Christiana Lions Club and Mike Schaeffer from the Millersville Lions Club.

On the same day, a second tractor-trailer was loaded with supplies at Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

"The tractor-trailer from Morgantown went to Vision Resources, and we finished loading it up with supplies coming in from all over the state. We had 40 skids of items on those two tractor-trailers," reported Christiana Lions Club member Jim Groff, Pennsylvania Lions disaster relief coordinator. "They left over the weekend and arrived in Kentucky on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23)."

Items collected included box fans, hoses and buckets, grills and charcoal for cooking, tarps, water cans for fresh water, flashlights, electrical cords, hand warmers and blankets.

"I got a list from the Lions from Kentucky of what they required. I only sent what they needed, which makes it more efficient," said Groff. "The Lions in Kentucky are the best Lions I have ever worked with in all the years I have been in disaster services. They are very organized. I am so proud of them."

The Lions held a similar drive in January for the victims of the tornado in Kentucky, and Lowe's was once again the spot where the tractor-trailer was loaded. "In January of this year, we, the Pennsylvania Lions, gave a total in value of $300,000 (worth of supplies)," said Groff.

Groff and the Lions have a long history of helping with disaster relief not only by collecting donations but working in the affected areas. Groff has traveled to help tornado-devastated Joplin, Mo., as well as New Jersey and New York towns hit by Hurricane Sandy. "With boots on the ground you see what it's all about," said Groff.

He said the efforts are in keeping with the Lions Club motto of "We Serve." "Lions have a heart and passion to help people," Groff noted. "It is teamwork - people working together to help people in need."