Elburn Lions Club member receives award at district convention

Elburn Lions Club member Linda Callaghan recently received the George Lazansky Distinguished Service Award at the annual 1-J District Convention.

According to a news release, the award was named to remember Lion George Lazansky, who served as District 1-J’s first governor in 1951. The George Lazansky award is presented only to a handful of Lions annually and is given to district Lions for their outstanding contributions to Lionism within the Lions organization and the community.

Callaghan became an Elburn Lion in 2003. However, her Lions story began many yeas before. She grew up in Elburn with her parents, William [Bill] and Janet Callaghan, and her three brothers, Kelly, Keith and Kevin. Her father was an Elburn Lion member when the children were younger and they brought their children to the club to assist at events. Her parents made sure the children were involved with the Elburn Lions for many years growing up and they all still tell stories from their youth.

Callaghan’s mother has been a member of the Elburn Lions Club since 1997, her brother Kelly since 1988 and brother Keith since 2000.

“I am humbled by this honor when there are so many who deserve such recognition,” Callaghan said in the release. “It is an honor to represent the largest and strongest Lions club in Illinois and the strongest service organization in the world.”

The Elburn Lions Club works within the Elburn community, including the Kaneland School District, to raise money primarily for the benefit of people with sight or hearing disabilities. A large percentage of funds is donated to local community organizations and people in need, according to the release.

Visit elburnlions.com to learn more about the Elburn Lions Club.