Alachua Lions on the prowl for toys

ALACHUA – The Alachua Lions Club is playing Santa Clause this holiday season, and it was shopping day this week.  

A special committee, armed with a Christmas list for five small children went shopping for a local single mother’s family.

The oldest is child is 8-years-old, and the youngest is 2-years-old.

The club asked a local school, Irby Elementary, to identify a family that is struggling to provide Christmas for their family.

“The whole goal of Alachua is to be the good life community," said John Hopkins, president of the Lions Club. “We want to spread that as wide as possible.”

The Lions Club will also be partnering with a local church to distribute wrapped toys to other needy families.

“We wish we could do it for every needy family,” Hopkins said.

Nevertheless, the Lions Club’s goal this season is to “bring a few smiles to faces,” he said.

“There is much to be thankful for, and we are happy to do what we can for those who are not so fortunate."

Mayor Gib Coerper of Alachua participated in the shopping on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Giving back to the community feels good, he said, and the Lions just want to make the community the best it can be.

“I see a wonderful tradition of 'Lionism' everywhere,” Coerper said.

There will be four or five Lions with the children when they unwrap their presents shortly before Christmas.

“It’s kind of like being Santa Clause, you know?” Hopkins said with a laugh.

#     #     #

Email berickson@

alachuatoday.com