Milroy Lions Club looks to refill coffers as benefit dinners return
Event slated for 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at White Memorial Church
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MILROY -- The Milroy Lions Club is starting its spaghetti dinners back up for the season, bringing the community together for a meal that has become one of the club's most dependable ways to support local needs.
The next benefit dinner is scheduled for Thursday, with proceeds benefiting the club itself after a year marked by significant charitable giving.
The dinner will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of White Memorial Church, located at 68 S. Main St. in Milroy. While the Lions often direct the money raised toward families with medical crises, youth programs and community projects, this dinner is designed to replenish the club's own funds after what members describe as an "astronomical" amount of support distributed over time.
"We've been dishing out a lot of money," said member Dave Esh, who has been involved with the benefit dinners for "five years or better." He said the club was surprised when they looked back at the total amount raised and given away. "It really is amazing how much money we've been able to give back."
The Lions' charitable work stretches across the community, often quietly. Members step in to help families facing sudden hardship, support local initiatives, and contribute to needs that arise without much notice. The spaghetti dinners have become the club's most reliable way to fund that work -- a simple meal that turns into meaningful assistance.
Esh said the decision to hold this dinner for the club itself came down to timing and practicality. "That was the reason for this," he said. "We didn't really have a recipient this time. We do things other than the dinner, and this is a good time to refill our coffers."
The Lions expect a strong turnout, as the dinners have become a steady fixture in Milroy's community calendar. Volunteers prepare and serve the familiar menu: spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, applesauce, desserts and drinks.
The atmosphere is relaxed and neighborly, with club members working side-by-side and visitors stopping in not just for the meal but for the mission behind it.
For the Lions, the evening is about more than fundraising. It is a chance to reconnect with supporters, welcome new faces, and remind the community of the steady work the club does throughout the year. Every plate served helps ensure the Lions can continue responding when needs arise, whether through established projects or unexpected situations where a little help makes a difference.
As the club prepares for Thursday's dinner, members say they are grateful for the continued support and hopeful that the community will join them in strengthening the foundation that allows their service to continue.