Dan Cruce is a Bellefonte Lion and represents Wilmington in the Senate. Tracey Duffy, the president of the Bellefonte Lions Club, is a 21-year law enforcement veteran and a Delaware native.
In times like these — when so much of what surrounds us feels polarizing, when the art of civil discourse seems harder to find and when many people feel unsure how to help in meaningful ways — it can be easy to feel disconnected or discouraged.
That is exactly why the Bellefonte Lions Club and the office of state Sen. Dan Cruce want to bring a little light, hope and action to our community through their February Love Your Neighbor project. This effort is about reminding ourselves that even small acts of kindness can still unite us and make a real difference.
February is, of course, known for Valentine’s Day. Every year, this is a time when we celebrate the people closest to us — but this year, what if we challenge ourselves to come together and do more?
In partnership with our fellow Lions, we invite the community to join us for the inaugural Love Your Neighbor donation drive. This event runs Feb. 1-17, with drop-offs at the Bellevue Community Center at 510 Duncan Road in Wilmington.
Celebrate the Valentine’s season by leaning in, taking action and showing love to neighbors we may never meet by donating new, unused personal hygiene items. These everyday essentials — shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, underwear and socks — are so often overlooked, yet they are critical to dignity, health and stability.
The Bellefonte Lions Club has long championed this kind of need by quietly and consistently showing up for neighbors when it matters most. Giving back has always been core to our members’ values, and there has never been a better time to be engaged and to be part of helping people, regardless of politics, place or personal beliefs. We are all neighbors first.
On behalf of the Bellefonte Lions, we believe deeply in the power of community and in the best version of the “Delaware Way,” showing up for one another with compassion and respect. We are better than the negativity around us and stronger than the disagreements that divide us. Please join us and help show the very best of Delaware this February by contributing to our Love Your Neighbor project.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
