As the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, it is important to give thanks for what we have and to share our gifts with others. For most, giving thanks revolves around family and a charitable cause or two.

As I look around my community, I often notice those who take their kind and generous spirits even further with various activities to help their local community.

Yes, there are numerous organizations with members of such generous spirits, but one such organization -- the Glenwood Lions Club -- stands taller than most on my list.

Perhaps you have run into a Glenwood Lion at the Howard County Fair serving meals in the dining hall to fairgoers. Perhaps you have seen their name as a sponsor of the Relay of Life held by the Glenwood Senior Center.

Perhaps you have seen them collect eyeglasses for the visually impaired or sell holiday decorations or Christmas trees. You did see them, but you didn't hear them. They work quietly, to serve others, without roaring about themselves or elbowing the next group for the prime spot on the "charity podium."

The Lions Club was begun in 1917 and it is now the largest service organization in the world, with more than 2 million members. The Glenwood Lions Club has more than 50 registered members, 25 of which are active. They meet twice a month at the Glenwood Senior Center, and are active year-round within the Glenwood community on many levels.

Just two weeks ago, they were busy staffing the food booth for the Howard County Craft Show at the fairgrounds. On Dec. 6 and 7, they will be staffing the food booth at the Peak Building Materials Auction, to be held at the fairgrounds from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition, they work year-round to help the Lisbon Fire Department, the Howard County Conservancy, the Glenwood Senior Center and various other organizations. With the money raised, they put it back into the community by sponsoring events such as the Relay For Life at Glenwood and by giving scholarships to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for their projects. For more information on their mission and activities, go to www.22alions.org (click on "club links"). Thank you, Lions Club!

In keeping with the spirit of giving, the Howard County Office on Aging would like you to know about "Project Holiday," which brightens the holidays for less fortunate seniors who are in nursing homes and low-income housing. You may drop off a gift at any of the senior centers by Dec. 15. Items desired include toiletries, blankets, stationery and gift cards. Call 410-313-6423 for information.

To kick off the holiday shopping season, a trip to the Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show in Harrisburg, Pa., will depart Dec. 4 at 7:45 a.m. from the Glenwood Senior Plus Center. Spend the day shopping (more than 500 vendors), taking in the "Old Christmas Village," Cooking Clinics, and more. Cost: $39 for bus and entry fee; lunch is on your own. Registration required.

Looking to glisten and sweeten your own holidays? The Glenwood Senior Center will host the Cavani String Quartet on Friday, Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m. and its second annual Cookie Exchange on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Seniors are invited to come and enjoy an afternoon Dec. 16 with hot spiced cider and sample each other's cookies. Registration required for both events.

Call 410-313-5440 or go to www.glenwoodseniorcenter.org.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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