‘It’s about giving back when you can’

By Mark Squibb

When you think about volunteers in your community, members of service clubs such as the Lions Club are likely some of the first to come to mind.

“I think helping out in any way makes a difference in so many people’s lives,” said Paradise Centennial Lion’s Club Secretary Phil Murphy. “And sometimes you don’t realize the impact you could have.”

Murphy got his start in volunteering coaching his kid’s sports teams, including soccer, baseball, and hockey.

“Volunteering in general gives me a really cool feeling, to know that I’m helping out and making a difference,” said Murphy. “I’ve gotten to meet so many new people and experience new things.”

Since he stopped coaching about three years ago, Murphy has had more time to volunteer with the Lion’s Club and last year was named Club Secretary.

The club, which boasts 37 members of all ages and experiences, helps with a number of community events throughout the year, perhaps most notably the annual Santa Claus parade, and hosts a number of their own events, including fundraisers for folks with medical challenges to social events for seniors.

New members are invited to attend a meeting or activity to meet other Lions and get a sense of the club.

Murphy encourages folks to give the club a try.

“You do what you can when you can,” said Murphy. “You don’t have to feel guilty if you can’t make all the meetings. It’s not about the meetings. It’s about giving back when you can.”