The Slatedale-Emerald Lions Club sponsors a 31-Gifts and Longaberger basket bingo annually at the Friedens Fire Company, Washington Township.

Esther Trexler of Heidelberg Township is the organizer of the event, which also features a Chinese auction.

Lion Fred Folland said he was glad for the room-filling crowd and hoped everyone was having fun.

Frederick Michael, also a Lion, said 25 club members were helping out at the recent fundraiser. Fire company volunteers man the food stand preparing delicious items for hungry bingo players.

Lion Ray Klein said the club gives a donation for use of the fire company social hall.

“We have a lot of fun and know a lot of people,” he said.

Thirty people usually attend from Lehighton and another 10 from Palmerton. This year, there was a total of 90 players.

The Slatedale-Emerald Lions Club, formed in 1969, take part in many events each year in addition to the bingo. Billy Markell is the only remaining charter member.

They attend Slatington’s Gathering, the Ontelaunee Park car show in Lynn Township, Relay for Life and various walks and parades.

Lions provide medical supplies for use in the home such as canes, walkers and beds and they also support eye banks throughout the state.

They provide eye glasses and have collected 22,000 pair in the 34-club region in the past year, and batteries for hearing aids and they participate in the Leader Dog program and Camp Beacon Lodge for the Blind.

Tracy McGowan is club president for this year.

Folland said they contributed 70,000 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank and support the annual District 14K All-Star Soccer Classic at Whitehall-Coplay School District Stadium.