Lions Club Donates $5K To Chester Volunteer Fire Company

CHESTER, NJ — Earlier this month, the Chester Lions Club presented the Chester Volunteer Fire Company with a $5000 donation to express their appreciation for their service.

Chester Lions President Judy Irwin presented the donation to Chester Volunteer Fire Company President Curran Lucke.

"We all know that our firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and we can never thank them enough for their bravery and dedication. They are the unsung heroes of our community, always ready to answer the call of duty at a moment's notice," the Lions Club said.

The Chester Volunteer Fire Company has been an all-volunteer, non-profit organization since 1921. They currently have more than 50 active members who contribute more than 6,700 man hours annually.

The volunteer fire company recently celebrated its 100th year of serving the Chester community in 2021.

"The Chester Lions Club recognizes the vital role that the fire department plays in our community. We hope that this contribution will help in some small way to support the work of the fire department and ensure that they have the resources they need to continue their mission," the Lions Club said.

The Chester Lions Club is a local nonprofit service organization that focuses on sight conservation and restoration. This includes developing community-focused activities and projects, as well as supporting Lions International programs.

Harry and Irene Brockman founded the Chester Lions Club, and in 1969, the International Association of Lions Clubs formally chartered the new "Lions Club of Chester."

By the early 1970s, the Chester Lions Club's main fund-raising activity had become the Flea Market, which had become an institution, with thousands of people attending on any given Sunday.

Because of the success of the flea market, the Chester Lions have since been able to expand their charitable efforts.

Residents in the area can get free eye, ear and blood screenings. Funding has been given to Boy and Girl Scout troops, athletic programs, the food pantry, Chester Senior Housing and the library.

For many years, scholarships have been awarded to seniors at Mendham and West Morris High Schools, as well as funding for equipment and vehicles for local organizations such as the fire and police departments.

Oktoberfest Weekend is the Chester Lions Club's largest annual fundraiser.

In previous years, the net proceeds of that event have been donated to organizations such as Soldiers Angels, which supports servicemen and women, and the Lions Eye Research Foundation.