Submitted by the San Juan Island Lions Club

On the last cold and windy Saturday before Christmas 2023, the San Juan Island Lions Club donned Christmas hats, handed out candy canes and rang bells. The purpose was not just to annoy shoppers and the checkout crew at Market Place, it was also a fundraiser, a tradition that the SJI Lions have had for many years. In the past, the money raised was donated to another non-profit that also does incredible work on and off the island. This year, however, the Lions determined that the money raised by bell ringing should stay on the island. The Lions decided that donations collected would go to another non-profit that the Lions already have a working relationship with, The Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center.

As a result of the incredible kindness and generosity of the community, the Lions collected $1,845 in nine hours, far more than the typical bell ringing in the past. The Lions then donated enough money to raise the proceeds to an even $2,000. Islanders supporting Islanders! We Serve.