Courtesy Photo Left to right:: Lions Club Officers: Ron Boyda Treasurer; Charlie Fink, President; Pat Martin, Director of God's Open Hands; Pat Kambhu, Secretary; and Darla Fink, Membership Chair. The Chandler Lions Club made a recent cash contribution to God's Open Hands in support of efforts to provide year-end holiday food baskets to those in need.

This contribution is one of the many ways the Lions give back to the community, and all the Lions are happy to assist with the humanitarian efforts of this organization.

Pat Martin, Director of God's Open Hands, provided the following comments: "Thank you for your support of God's Open Hands. Plans are being made for the upcoming holidays with the objective to give extras so that each client family can have a special holiday meal.

Because of the decline in our economy, many more families are in need of help.

In October alone, there were 35 families seeking help for the first time.

November has seen an even greater increase. During the first 11 months of 2008, there have been over 3,000 food boxes given out, with 210 of those going to first-time clients.

Prices, even at the food banks, have increased. If everyone can find it in their hearts to be extra generous during this holiday season, everyone at God's Open Hands, as well as the clients, will be very appreciative!"

Donations may be made at either of the locations for God's Open Hands in Chandler. Your gifts of cash or other usable items are always welcome.