Lahaina’s Mauna Kahalawai Lions Club Branch is gearing up to help the needy during the upcoming holiday season.

In early December, this branch of the Maui Lions Club plans to reach out to the homeless not living in shelters and distribute “Hygiene Bags.”

Club members invite the community to donate small items such as soaps, shampoos or anything associated with hygiene practices, preventative measures to reduce the incidence and spreading of disease and personal health care.

All donations can be dropped off in the collection bin at Napa Auto Parts at 1058 Limahana Place in Lahaina from now through Tuesday, Dec. 5.

According to Mauna Kahalawai Lions Club member Lisa Puaa, “The club is hoping to pass out around 200-250 hygiene packs, and we are asking that area businesses… will offer to contribute to this wonderful cause and help people during our holiday season.”

Known in the West Maui community for conducting vision screenings to raise awareness of eye disease (Lions have a mission of providing vision for all), the Lahaina branch is also looking for community–minded members.

Club members currently meet on the third Thursday of each month at the J3 Warehouse in Emerald Plaza beginning at 6 p.m.

Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world, has 1.4 million members performing valuable service in 210 countries and geographic areas around the globe. Their core belief is: “Community is what we make it.”

The Maui Lions Club was founded in 1936.

Puaa explained, “Lions Clubs of Maui are best-known for fighting blindness, but they volunteer for many different kinds of community projects, including feeding the hungry and aiding seniors, as well as caring for the environment. Lions Clubs of Maui does vision and hearing screening at Maui schools throughout the year.”

If you are interested in becoming a member, or if you would like to donate items for the hygiene packs, contact Puaa at (808) 264-1151 or lisa@dabarefootwarrior.com.