Camas Lions Club Launches “Heavy Helpers” Project To Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being (Photo) -04/05/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2025

 

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Camas Lions Club Launches “Heavy Helpers” Project to Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being

A Two-Part Initiative Blends Community Cheer with Compassionate Service

 

 

Camas, WA – In alignment with Lions Clubs International’s Mental Health and Well-Being Initiative, the Camas Lions Club proudly introduced a creative and compassionate service project designed to support the emotional needs of children: Heavy Helpers. This two-phase initiative, spearheaded and coordinated by Lion Tammie Coelho, combined festive community engagement with meaningful support for youth mental wellness.

The project began in December 2024 with a fun-filled fundraiser titled “Photos with the Grinch.” During the Downtown Camas Association’s Christmas Tree Lighting event, Tammie used her artistic talents to transform fellow Lion Leslie into a delightfully mischievous Grinch. Families lined up for festive photos, donating to the cause while enjoying the holiday spirit. The funds raised during this event would fuel the service-focused second stage of the project.

 

That second phase came to life on Saturday, March 29, 2025, when Camas Lions and community partners gathered at the Camas Public Library to assemble over 25 Heavy Helpers. These large stuffed animals were filled with aquarium rock to provide a gentle, weighted sensation known to offer sensory and emotional comfort. Designed for children facing anxiety, trauma, or other sensory challenges, the Heavy Helpers offer a tangible form of care, calm, and comfort.

 

The project was made possible thanks to the generous support and collaboration of several key partners:

• ? Community members who donated stuffed animals and made financial contributions

• ? Camas Public Library, for providing space to assemble the Heavy Helpers

• ? The Children’s Center, which will distribute the completed Heavy Helpers to children in need

• ? The Kiwanis Club, who joined in to assist with the hands-on assembly work

Tammie Coelho’s vision and coordination were instrumental in bringing the Heavy Helpers project to life. Her ability to combine artistry, empathy, and service embodies the spirit of modern Lionism and highlights the importance of creative approaches to mental health support.

 

Get Involved with Camas Lions Club

If you’ve ever thought about giving back, using your own unique talents, or being part of something bigger—now is the time to join us! Whether you're creative, organized, hands-on, or simply passionate about helping others, there’s a place for you in the Camas Lions Club.

 

Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community—because we believe we’re Even Better Together!

To learn more or get involved, visit www.camaslionsclub.org or email us at LionsOfCamas@gmail.com.

 

 

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Media Contact:
Camas Lions Club
Email: LionsOfCamas@gmail.com
Website: www.camaslionsclub.org

 

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Empowering volunteers. Serving with heart. Creating change.

Camas Lions Club Honors Tammie Coelho As April 2025 Lion Of The Month For Creativity In Service (Photo) -03/30/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2025

Camas Lions Club Honors Tammie Coelho as April 2025 Lion of the Month for Creativity in Service

Camas, WA – The Camas Lions Club is proud to recognize Tammie Coelho as our April 2025 Lion of the Month, celebrating her outstanding creativity, energy, and commitment to serving the community in unique and impactful ways.

 

Since joining the club, Tammie has brought a joyful, artistic flair to our events—often showing up with whimsical face paint or transforming others with her professional skills as an esthetician. Her ability to bring smiles while also sparking meaningful service projects embodies what it means to be a Lion.

 

One of Tammie’s standout achievements this year was a two-part project that blended community fun with heartfelt service. The first phase, a fundraiser called “Photos with the Grinch,” took place during the Downtown Camas Association's Christmas Tree Lighting event. Tammie painted fellow Lion Leslie as the Grinch and offered festive photos to the public in exchange for donations.

 

Those funds were then used for the second phase: assembling "Heavy Helpers"—large stuffed animals filled with aquarium rock to provide soothing, weighted sensory comfort for children in need. These comforting companions are designed to help reduce anxiety, promote calm, and support emotional regulation, especially for children navigating trauma or mental health challenges. The project was inspired by the growing recognition of the importance of mental health and the need for accessible, compassionate tools that offer comfort and care.

 

The Camas Lions Club partnered with the Children’s Center, a local nonprofit mental health organization that will distribute the Heavy Helpers to children receiving their services. The Camas Public Library generously provided space to assemble the stuffed animals in a welcoming, community-centered environment. We were also proud to collaborate with the Kiwanis Club, who joined in the hands-on effort, making this project a true example of what community partnership can achieve.

 

This creative, heartfelt service project not only offered tangible comfort to local kids—it also helped shine a light on the importance of supporting mental wellness at every age.

 

Tammie’s fresh ideas and positive spirit remind us that everyone has something special to offer. Her success is a perfect example of the Lions Club’s mission:
To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding.

Get Involved with Camas Lions Club

If you’ve ever thought about giving back, using your own unique talents, or being part of something bigger—now is the time to join us! Whether you're creative, organized, hands-on, or simply passionate about helping others, there’s a place for you in the Camas Lions Club.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community—because we believe we’re Even Better Together!

 

To learn more or get involved, visit www.camaslionsclub.org or email us at LionsOfCamas@gmail.com

 

 

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Empowering volunteers. Serving with heart. Creating change.

Lions Clubs Of Clark County Place New Eyeglasses And Hearing Aids Recycling Drop-Off Box At Cascade Park Community Library (Photo) -03/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Vancouver, WA -- March 28, 2025
The Lions Clubs of Clark County are excited to announce the placement of a new eyeglasses and hearing aid recycling drop-off box at the Cascade Park Community Library. This initiative is part of the Lions' ongoing efforts to collect and recycle used eyeglasses and hearing aids for individuals in need locally and worldwide.

The new drop-off box was delivered to Cascade Park Library Branch Manager Rachael Ries and is now conveniently located in the heart of the community. This library location was chosen as it serves as a community hub and supports the Lions Club's mission of expanding its service by creating a new local Lions Club.

The Lions' eyeglass and hearing aid recycling program helps to provide vision and hearing assistance to those who may not otherwise have access to necessary aids. Donated eyeglasses and hearing aids will be refurbished and distributed to those in need, allowing life-changing improvements in quality of life.

"We are proud to partner with the Cascade Park Community Library and offer this easy, accessible way for residents to give back by donating their used eyeglasses and hearing aids," said Doug Ballou, Lions Club representative. "This is a meaningful step toward helping individuals in our community and beyond."

If you are interested in learning more about the eyeglasses and hearing aids recycling program or if you'd like to join the Lions, the world's largest service organization, please reach out to either Doug Ballou at 360-903-3993 or Dr. Brian Scott at 503-969-9180. They would love to hear from you!

 

About Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization, with over 1.4 million members in over 48,000 clubs worldwide. Lions are dedicated to serving their communities, helping those in need, and making a difference around the globe through a wide range of humanitarian projects.

 

For more information, contact:
Doug Ballou
Phone: 360-903-3993
Dr. Brian Scott
Phone: 503-969-9180

Camas Lions Club Hosts Successful Free Paper Shredding Event To Serve And Protect The Community (Photo) -03/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Camas Lions Club Hosts Successful Free Paper Shredding Event to Serve and Protect the Community

 

Camas, WA — March 22, 2025 — Under clear blue skies and with strong community spirit, the Camas Lions Club held a Free Paper Shredding Event on Saturday, March 22, offering residents a secure way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting local causes.

 

The Lions Club is deeply grateful to Riverview Bank, whose generous sponsorship made this important community service possible. Their continued support of civic engagement and safety is a true asset to the Camas area.

 

The event was powered by the dedication of Camas Lions volunteers, who came together in full force to guide traffic, assist with unloading documents, and greet community members with smiles and appreciation. It was a day filled with camaraderie, service, and sunshine.

 

The Club also extends heartfelt thanks to the many community members who participated—not only bringing paper to shred, but also generously donating to support local needs. The event collected both financial contributions and non-perishable food donations for the Treasure House Food Bank, along with used eyeglasses that will be repurposed for Lions vision missions around the world.

 

“This event shows what can happen when community, service, and generosity come together,” said Stephanie O'Dell, President of Camas Lions Club. “We’re proud to support document security while also giving back to those in need—locally and globally.”

 

To learn more about future events or to get involved with the Camas Lions Club, visit www.camaslionsclub.org or follow us on Facebook.