Northern Oklahomans called it the "storm of the century." The ice storm that pummeled northwestern Oklahoma this past winter downed innumerable trees and power lines and left thousands in the dark for at least a week.

Lions sprang into action, sawing and removing tree limbs, serving at shelters and delivering meals to shut-ins. Helping the Lions help others was LCIF, which quickly sent a US$10,000 emergency grant.

The funds were distributed among 15 clubs to help victims buy food, medicine, blankets and clothing. The assistance kept people warm and fed and buoyed their spirits.

"I'm glad this was named the 'ice storm of the century' because I don't want to have another one any time soon," said Royce Baker, then president of the Waukomis Lions Club. "The generosity of LCIF was very reassuring."

Past District 3-A Governor Teresa Woods said that each club was asked to allocate the funds in a way that served the greatest number of people. Examples of assistance included replenishing a food bank serving out-of-state utility workers, providing grocery store vouchers to needy people and helping an elderly person with a rent payment.

In one instance, the father of a four-year-old boy who needed an operation on his legs was helped out financially. The father had lost several days of work because his employer had no electricity.

During the crisis, PDG Woods answered phones at a local radio station that operated on generator power and kept residents informed of vital information. One call she took was from a shut-in who is blind and severely hearing impaired. A Lion was dispatched to bring her hot food.

Emergency grants for natural disasters are a core element of LCIF. LCIF distributed 128 emergency grants totaling US$1,255,000 in fiscal year 2001-2002.

Emergency grants can be for up to US$10,000. Grant funds must be used to purchase food, clothing, blankets or medical supplies.

The District Governor must approve the grant request. District Governors should telephone, e-mail or fax LCIF for quick action when a disaster occurs.

Lions Clubs International Foundation
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523-8842, U.S.A.
1-630-571-5466
Fax:  1-630-571-8890
E-mail:  lcif@lionsclubs.org