Christmas came early to the Eastsound Fire Station.

The Lions of Orcas Island held their annual Toys for Tots event last weekend.

“The Lions shopped local to support the local economy,” said this year’s organizer Veronica San Martin. There was a wide selection of high quality gifts, apparel and books. Some toys were donated but most were purchased by the Lions.

The local businesses were happy to support the cause. Leapin’ Lizard offered a charitable 50 percent discount. The other local businesses involved were Darvills, Eastsound Sporting Goods, Ray’s Pharmacy, the Office Cupboard and Radio Shack. Each child got one book, one toy and a shirt, while teens were given gift certificates. The Lions also assemble and deliver Elder Baskets, full of fruit at Christmas time, and provide Santa his ship.

Charity is a year round effort

The Orcas Island Lions Club Foundation accepts donations year round, providing a conduit for local donations to be returned to those in need right here on Orcas.

“Last year the Lions donated $28,000,” said Capt. Rick Anda. This money goes towards a variety of causes from free eye glasses, hearing aids and cataract surgery to the Easter Egg Hunt and scholarship funds. Jim Biddick of the Lions said, “The scholarship funds go towards youth outreach efforts like the Orcas Recreation Program and the Fun House. Scholarships are provided for YMCA Camp Orkila and Camp Horizon (a camp for the blind) in Birch Bay.” They also give large donations to the Orcas Island Food Bank. Biddick added that the Lions bring the Health Screening Van to Orcas in March and run the Puget Sound Blood Drive.

Christmas came early to the Eastsound Fire Station.

The Lions of Orcas Island held their annual Toys for Tots event last weekend.

“The Lions shopped local to support the local economy,” said this year’s organizer Veronica San Martin. There was a wide selection of high quality gifts, apparel and books. Some toys were donated but most were purchased by the Lions.

The local businesses were happy to support the cause. Leapin’ Lizard offered a charitable 50 percent discount. The other local businesses involved were Darvills, Eastsound Sporting Goods, Ray’s Pharmacy, the Office Cupboard and Radio Shack. Each child got one book, one toy and a shirt, while teens were given gift certificates. The Lions also assemble and deliver Elder Baskets, full of fruit at Christmas time, and provide Santa his ship.

Charity is a year round effort

The Orcas Island Lions Club Foundation accepts donations year round, providing a conduit for local donations to be returned to those in need right here on Orcas.

“Last year the Lions donated $28,000,” said Capt. Rick Anda. This money goes towards a variety of causes from free eye glasses, hearing aids and cataract surgery to the Easter Egg Hunt and scholarship funds. Jim Biddick of the Lions said, “The scholarship funds go towards youth outreach efforts like the Orcas Recreation Program and the Fun House. Scholarships are provided for YMCA Camp Orkila and Camp Horizon (a camp for the blind) in Birch Bay.” They also give large donations to the Orcas Island Food Bank. Biddick added that the Lions bring the Health Screening Van to Orcas in March and run the Puget Sound Blood Drive.