I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kodiak Lions Club. Most of us are aware of what the Lions Club does for our community but I never realized how much they do behind the scenes until recently.

I became a single mother in April of this year. I work full time while trying to provide a stable loving home for a 5-year-old and a developmentally disabled 3-year-old. As my 5-year-old entered her first year of school, I spent every moment thinking about how I could afford groceries, school supplies, school clothes and winter gear for my children. Both sets of grandparents have helped as much as they possibly can, but I was still left without a clue as to how I would provide the proper winter clothing for my children.

That’s when I heard about the Lions Club Coats for Kids program. I applied and was accepted. Lion Penni Hees, my children and I went shopping for winter clothing and were ecstatic to be able to pick it out. I cannot express my gratitude to both Penni and to the Lions Club for the burden that has been taken off my shoulders. I can sleep at night now knowing my children will be well prepared for the Kodiak winter.