Feasterville-Trevose Lions Club supports community needs

Since its founding in 2019, the Feasterville-Trevose Lions Club has quietly but steadily become a vital source of support for individuals and families across Feasterville, Trevose, Hulmeville, and Bensalem. Part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs spanning more than 200 countries, the local club blends global mission with grassroots action, responding to needs wherever they arise.

The Feasterville-Trevose Lions Club is made up of men and women who volunteer their time for humanitarian causes, driven by a shared commitment to service. According to club president Peter Bondarenk, the organization was established because “there was a need for one in this area.” Since then, the club has continued to grow. “We have added new younger members and we are spreading awareness to this local community that we exist and that we can help,” he said.

That message of help is at the core of the Lions’ mission. Locally, the club focuses on supporting people who are visually impaired, deaf, diabetic, or who have special needs, while also addressing broader areas such as hunger, childhood cancer, environmental concerns, and disaster relief. “What motivates people to join our club is doing good for the community, raising funds, and doing whatever we can to help people in need,” Bondarenk explained. The club currently has about 34 members and is actively looking to welcome more.

Fundraising and community events play a major role in making that help possible. Members often say they enjoy being out in the community, connecting directly with residents while raising funds for meaningful causes. Recently, the club participated in Boscov’s gift-wrapping fundraiser. “We were raising money to distribute to those who most need it in our community,” Bondarenk said. The needs vary widely, from helping someone pay for heating oil or repair a broken stove to providing eyeglasses or eye screenings. “So we help people with all types of needs,” he added.

Individuals seeking assistance can apply directly through the club. “They must fill out an application if they are in need, and we interview them to get additional information about them,” Bondarenk said. Requests may also come through word of mouth, with members reaching out proactively when they learn of someone struggling locally.

Vision care is one of the Lions’ most recognized initiatives, and the Feasterville-Trevose club is especially active in this area. Members collect both new and gently used eyeglasses at several local locations. “We donated over 700 pairs last year just from our club,” Bondarenk said. The glasses are taken to the Lions’ national convention and distributed internationally through Lions Clubs International to people who cannot afford eyewear. Residents interested in donating glasses can contact the club to learn where collection boxes are located, or arrange for pickup.

The club also conducts hearing screenings for children in local schools. Trained club members visit schools in Trevose and Feasterville to test students for potential hearing loss. Through its foundation, the Lions also help qualified individuals obtain hearing aids, eyeglasses, and other essential equipment.

Community partnerships further extend the club’s reach. The Feasterville-Trevose Lions have worked closely with the Lower Southampton Police Department, supporting initiatives such as Project Blue Light and donating gift cards, holiday pajamas for children, and winter socks. They have also donated gift cards to St. Stephen Lutheran Church during the holidays to assist local families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the club donated hand sanitizer to local schools and even sent oxygen equipment to India, reflecting the Lions’ commitment to service beyond borders.

Hunger relief is another priority. The club has partnered with the Lady of Fatima Church & Outreach in Bensalem to establish a local food pantry, helping prepare and paint the space and set it up so it could serve residents in need. That pantry continues to provide food assistance today. Some funds raised locally are also sent to Lions Clubs International to support disaster relief efforts around the world.

Family-friendly events remain a hallmark of the Lions’ work. The club will again partner with the Feasterville Business Association for an audible Easter egg hunt for blind children, held the Saturday before Easter on March 28 at 9 am. Special beeping eggs allow children with visual impairments to participate fully, with the event typically taking place an hour before the general egg hunt. The club has also participated in events such as Trunk or Treat at Playwicki Farm, setting up information tables and engaging with families.

Looking ahead, several fundraisers are planned for 2026. A comedy night fundraiser will be held May 15 at 7 pm at Georgine‘s located in Bristol, with proceeds benefiting residents in need. The club also plans to hold its second annual golf outing, likely in September, with details to be announced. During last year’s golf outing, the Lions Club raised over $8,000. Baseball fans can mark their calendars for Trenton Thunder events, including a 50/50 raffle on Friday, July 31 at 5 pm, and a family game on Sunday, August 9 at 5 pm in Section 102. Reservations can be made by contacting PDG Tom Vasek at 215-499-7907.

The Feasterville-Trevose Lions Club is a Pennsylvania sales tax-exempt organization and works closely with the Lions District 14A Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. This structure allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions for specific purposes within the community, with funds ultimately directed back to local needs.

As the club looks to the future, growth is a top priority. “Our future goal is to grow this club so we can raise more money and help more people in need,” Bondarenk said. “We hope to have more large-scale community events.” Those interested in joining are encouraged to attend a meeting, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Suburban Diner in Feasterville, or support the club through donations.

For more information or to get involved, contact Peter Bondarenk at 267-392-9907 or at pbadjusting@gmail.com or Membership Chair Thomas Vasek at 215-499-7907 or at tmv8130808@aol.com.

Also, visit  www.feastervilletrevoselions.org for more information.