Plainfield Lions Club Celebrates 75 Years of Christmas Baskets with Record-Breaking Community Impact

Plainfield Lions Club Celebrates 75 Years of Christmas Baskets with Record-Breaking Community Impact. Plainfield, IL — December 13, 2025 — The Plainfield Lions Club proudly marked the 75th anniversary of its cherished Christmas Basket Program today, delivering hope, dignity, and holiday joy to families across the Plainfield community in what became the largest and most impactful year in the program’s history. This milestone year saw 192 families, representing more than 1,000 individuals, receive holiday support through an all-time record $61,500 in Jewel-Osco gift cards—ensuring families could enjoy meaningful holiday meals during the Christmas season. Lion members and volunteers gathered early Saturday morning at Plainfield Signs on Route 126 for fellowship and breakfast before deploying 33 delivery teams throughout the community. By 10:00 a.m., drivers were on the road, spreading more than gift cards—delivering reassurance, kindness, and the message that no neighbor stands alone in Plainfield.“Behind every gift card is the message that our recipients live in a community that truly cares,” said Lion Larry Wiers, longtime chairman of the Christmas Basket Program. “This is what the Plainfield Lions Club has stood for over the last 75 years—and today was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when service and generosity come together.”This year’s success was fueled by the extraordinary generosity of 60 donors, along with the tireless efforts of dozens of Lion members, spouses, friends, and community volunteers who made the day possible. From fundraising throughout the year to the final hand-off at each doorstep, the program reflected the Lions’ unwavering commitment to serving those most in need.

The Christmas Basket Program is one of the Plainfield Lions Club’s longest-running outreach efforts and a cornerstone of its broader mission, which also includes providing vision care, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and additional community support programs year-round. As the Plainfield Lions Club celebrates 75 years of this remarkable tradition, today’s achievement stands as both a tribute to the past and a promise for the future.“Who does Christmas Baskets better than the Plainfield Lions?” Wiers added.“Noooooooobody!”The Plainfield Lions Club extends its deepest gratitude to every donor, volunteer, and community partner who helped make this historic year one to remember. About the Plainfield Lions Club: The Plainfield Lions Club has proudly served the Plainfield area for countless decades, advancing the Lions' mission of service, compassion, and community support. From holiday assistance to vision and hearing programs, the club remains dedicated to making a lasting difference—one neighbor at a time.