Here at Mepham, we have a popular volunteer club called LEO Club, which is associated with the Lion’s Club. The LEOs have many fundraisers and volunteer opportunities throughout the year, such as beach clean ups, baking for the Community Cupboard, and walks for cancer research. One of the biggest events that the LEOs take part in is the Polar Express, a holiday event that provides toys and daily necessities to underprivileged families in the community, which was started by school board member and Lion’s Club officer, Nina Lanci.
On December 9, 2023, the ninth annual Polar Express was held at Brookside. LEOs and Lion’s members prepared for hours the night before and arrived early in the morning to get ready for the day ahead of them. Hundreds of toys lined the stage with Santa there to hand each child a special gift of their own. There were volunteers everywhere, handing out books, soap, candy, toys, face painting, and even some dressing up as different characters.
Mepham senior Kriti Saini was a volunteer at this event. “The Polar Express event is one of my personal favorites because it’s all about giving back to our community,” she said. Saini was stationed at the toothbrush table and noted, “I didn’t expect much excitement from the kids at this table, but I was entirely wrong. They were so excited to pick out their favorite color from the selection we had and the look on their faces after finding ‘the one’ and showing their parents how happy they were is an experience I’ll never forget.” The joy on the children’s faces at the Polar Express is unlike anything you will ever experience.
LEO Club adviser Mrs. Parlagreco was also at this event. When asked to reflect on the event, she noted, “The Polar Express Party helps over 400 kids have a better holiday. When we see the joy on their faces, we just want to do more. I am so proud of the LEO Club and the big part they play in making the lives of so many families better, not just during this event but through the community service they do all year.” The Polar Express is such a heartwarming event to attend, providing holiday cheer to the less fortunate local families.
LEO Club is truly an incredible way to get involved with helping out the community. Thank you, LEOs, for all you do!
