As the Lions Club International celebrates its centennial, the local chapter
focused in on helping youth this year and utilized proceeds from its annual
Chili Cookoff to fund scholarships at the Mt. Hood Learning Center.

David Buoy noted this year they were able to fund two scholarships (at $880
each), after funding three last year, when the Lions started the scholarship
program.

“We just kind of identified there’s not really much for daycare,” said Buoy, the
third vice president of the local chapter, noting that many parents on the
mountain have to travel to Gresham or farther for work. “Sometimes that
money makes a big difference to a working family.”

Alicia Sperr, president of the non-profit board that runs the Learning Center,
noted that the center has been a huge success since it started three years
ago. The number of children going there has more than doubled, and the
scholarships go to families that would not have otherwise been able to afford
sending their children there.

“We feel that’s a pretty big deal in the community and we appreciate their
contribution,” Sperr said.

Buoy noted that the club, which has other programs targeting youth such as
Reading is Fundamental at the Welches School and college scholarships for
mountain students graduating Sandy High School, likes to keep the money
generated by events in the community.

“People up here on the mountain have been very very generous,” he said,
adding that the entries for the Chili Cookoff have gotten more competitive.
“We try to spread it around with a focus on the young folks.”

The Lions Club is currently holding a toy drive starting at 6 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 3, at the Lions Club building on Woodsey Way and Hwy. 26.

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy. Tickets are $12 at the door and $10
presale at the Barlow Trail Roadhouse, Welches Mountain Building Supply and
the Clackamas County Bank.

The Mt. Hood Learning Center still has spaces available for children.
For more information, email mthoodlc@gmail.com or call 503-668-3868.