A new Lahaina branch of the Lions Clubs of Maui, the Mauna Kahalawai Lions Club, is gearing up to help the less fortunate during the upcoming holiday season.

In early December, members of the Lahaina club plan to reach out to the homeless not living in shelters and distribute “Hygiene Bags.”

“The club needs your help and would like to invite the community to donate any small items such as soaps, shampoos or any items associated with hygiene practices, preventative measures to reduce the incidence and spreading of disease, and personal health care,” noted member Jill Holley.

The club intends to pass out around 200-250 hygiene packs. Members hope that area businesses reading this editorial “will offer to contribute to this wonderful cause and help people during our holiday season,” Holley wrote.

Lions Clubs of Maui are known for conducting vision screenings to raise awareness of eye disease. This is related to Lions’ mission of providing vision for all. Members also collect old and unused glasses to put them in the hands of people who truly need them.

Maui Lions also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects, including feeding the hungry, aiding seniors and caring for the environment.

This new Mauna Kahalawai Lions Branch in Lahaina also seeks community-minded members. The club currently meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Lahaina Cannery Mall.

For more information on the Mauna Kahalawai Lions Club, or to donate items for the hygiene packs, contact Holley at (808) 986-1900 or jill@kidneyhi.org.