GIVING BACK

UNITING FOR MANY CAUSES

by Emily Tilly

Liberty Hill has many non-profit organizations that contribute, collect, organize, and serve those in need in the community and surrounding areas. In a sublime example of being greater than the sum of its parts, these organizations work individually and together to serve a common purpose.

L4 CARES

THE LEAST, THE LAST, THE LOST, AND THE LONELY

In January 2021, we brought you the story of Kendra Cofer and L4 Cares. She established her 501(c)3 in 2017 and their devotion to meeting the needs of the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely has never wavered. They focus on senior citizens, active and retired military, families with a child diagnosed with a terminal illness, and those in crisis. She describes the mindset of her volunteers; “Look at the person next to you and pay a little extra attention. Let people know you care, and they're not alone.” She is also busy reminding people that #KindnessIsEasyYall is key to everything they do.

SPREADING SMILES

Families with a child diagnosed with a terminal illness have many challenges and battles. Operation Superheroes Unite creates delightful experiences for children to engage with and be entertained by their favorite superheroes or storybook characters. The superheroes gather for birthday parties, parades, or hospital visits to create memories that will last a lifetime.

PHOTO COURTESY KENDRA COFER

“Belle” and “Beast”, “Mickey” and “Minnie” and others gather to spread joy and make memories with patients and their families.

DURING & AFTER THE MISSION

Welcome Back Soldier focuses on those returning from active duty with decorations and gifts to celebrate their homecoming. As well, twice each year, L4 Cares oversees the collection of items for care packages to send overseas. Company leaders send requests according to specific unit needs—snacks, toiletries, and socks along with cards of encouragement and appreciation.

LOOKING AT CRISES DIFFERENTLY

‘Crisis’ can refer to a situation of immediate need, or a time of physical or emotional turmoil, as might be the case for anyone adjusting to the terminal diagnosis for a family member. L4 Cares has built partnerships with many businesses and organizations to provide amazing experiences for families to share when they are navigating a difficult time.

Shannon Smith (pictured) was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. In September she and her 9-year-old daughter received a weekend full of memories provided by Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock and L4 Cares.

PHOTO COURTESY KENDRA COFER

OPERATION NOT FORGOTTEN

During the Holidays, L4 Cares partners with families, churches, schools, and other organizations to write and deliver encouraging notes to nursing home residents in Liberty Hill and the surrounding areas. Last year more than 800 notes and cards were delivered—with cookies—to residents.

L4 supporters can donate any time by selecting L4 Cares as their charity of choice on AMAZON SMILE. Also, coming soon, supporters will be able to round up any purchase from Wal-Mart.com to benefit L4 Cares. For information on any of these areas of focus, visit Facebook/L4Cares or scan the code to visit their website and sponsor an appearance through Operation Superheroes.

LIBERTY HILL LIONS CLUB

Lions Club is an international organization that helps meet needs worldwide. The Liberty Hill chapter of the Lions Club is actively dedicated to this mission and can always be counted on to help in the wake of a catastrophic event or natural disaster. In addition to their response teams, they also contribute proactively by sending children with physical disabilities or Type-1 diabetes to Texas Lions Camp and donating scholarships to Liberty Hill High School students. They are also the proud builders and conservators of Lions Foundation Park, which boasts many amenities and activities for community use.

The Lions Club also supports the efforts of other organizations such as Operation Liberty Hill, school charity food drives, and the Angel Tree Project. President Larry Nicholson says, “When someone else is directing particular community project, we support and supplement their efforts where needed. When there is a concern or need that we can address ourselves, and no one else has taken the helm, we go out and do it ourselves.”

PHOTO COURTESY LARRY NICHOLSON

Lion Kathy Garnett and Operation Liberty Hill Director Susan Baker collect items purchased to donate to Operation Liberty Hill

BRINGING SIGHT INTO FOCUS

In 1925, a visit by Helen Keller to the Lions Club International Convention made a lasting impact and facilitated the Lions’ focus on assisting the blind and visually impaired. Accordingly, offering free eye-screening to adults and children and providing glasses to those in need is a major part of what the club does. Over the years, like many other clubs in the region, the Lions have screened and helped thousands of people. “We begin screening kids in pre-school and make recommendations for them to see an eye doctor when the need arises,” explains Nicholson.

BECOMING A LIBERTY HILL LION

The club’s fundraising campaigns include an annual bike ride and the Flag Project. For the latter, the Lions furnish a flag and pole to local businesses and homes for patriotic holidays for a yearly fee of $75. Rather than ask for donations, they encourage others to participate through membership. Meetings are held twice monthly and generally consist of discussions about upcoming events, ways to get involved, local speakers from charities they support, and the benefits of membership and service.

“We're always looking for more hands to do the things we do. People have come to meetings and ended up becoming clients,” Larry says. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 12pm and the third Thursday at 7pm at the Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend.

Scan the code to visit their Facebook page.

PHOTO COURTESY LARRY NICHOLSON

Participants crossing the finish line at the Rip Roar’n Ride annual bike ride held October 8th, benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Lions Club