Maryville Lions Support Disaster Preparedness Initiative
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Members of the Maryville Lions Club recently undertook a commendable initiative by donating several Disaster Preparedness Backpacks to the Maryville Fire/Police Department. These backpacks are not merely bags; they are meticulously filled with essential items that could prove invaluable should an individual or family find themselves in a disaster situation. Each backpack is designed to provide immediate assistance and support, ensuring that recipients have access to necessary supplies during emergencies, which can often be chaotic and overwhelming.
The concept of the Disaster Preparedness Backpacks originated from a well-structured program organized by the Lions of District 12N in East Tennessee. This initiative gained momentum in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which served as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for unforeseen disasters. In response to the challenges faced by citizens during such crises, the District embarked on a mission to equip their communities with comprehensive emergency supply kits.
The planning involved collaboration with a dedicated group from Church World Service (CWS), which specializes in providing humanitarian assistance. With the additional support of grant money from Lions International, along with generous donations of products and funds from various Lions Clubs, the project materialized into a significant effort that resulted in the assembly and distribution of over 400 backpacks filled with crucial supplies.
The backpacks are lightweight drawstring backpacks containing a blanket, pillow, hygiene kit, socks, waterproof matches, handcrank emergency radio to name a few of the contents of the backpacks.
One of the key aspects of this initiative was the strategic distribution of the backpacks. Rather than concentrating all the resources in one particular county—where they might not be readily accessible when an emergency occurs—the Lions Clubs took a more decentralized approach. This allowed for the backpacks to be spread across various local communities, ensuring that they could be accessed quickly and efficiently when needed most.
The Maryville Lions Club, in particular, demonstrated their commitment to community service by planning to donate some of their backpacks to A Place to Stay, an organization that provides vital services to the underprivileged community of Blount County.
This partnership highlights the Lions Club's dedication not only to disaster preparedness but also to supporting those in need, reinforcing the idea that preparedness and compassion go hand in hand.