The charter members of the Nisswa Lions Club knew from day one that it's effectiveness as a service club in the community would depend on two basic elements, membership dedication and the power of the dollar bill.

 

In the beginning everyone sold household light bulbs and worked food stands. Soon the club sold camping tickets at BIR and started earning money to spend on local needs.

 

All Nisswa Lions help where and when they can in numerous fund  raising programs. Pork-on-a-Stick involves all Lions and generates major dollars. Additional fund raisers are selling cashews and mixed nuts to families and companies who in turn use them for gifts. We sell Colorado peaches in the summer, collect aluminum cans all year, and sell mints in area stores and cafes. Pull tabs are another major source of revenue.

 

In the 1970's, when the school district terminated the late activities school bus, the Nisswa Lions picked up the tab and put the bus back on the road. To assist the county sheriff's office and address safety on our lakes, this club purchased all coast guard approved markers for the Gull Lake Chain. Computers have been purchased for the Nisswa School. Major equipment has been purchased for the police, firemen, and first responders. Up to ten college scholarships are awarded each year to local students. Leadership of international and district have endorsed seven major programs of which the Nisswa Lions Club supports with annual contributions.