By Adam Dodson | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Lions Club, a sight-preservation organization that is also committed to giving back to non-profits in the area, is once again making a difference in the Selma-Dallas County community through their financial donation to the local Habitat for Humanity.

According to Carolyn Dunaway, president of the Lions Club, their main goal is to help others maintain their sight, but they no doubt dedicate much of their efforts to community outreach as well.

The Selma Habitat for Humanity is one organization, Dunaway says, that deserves more attention from the Lions Club, and it was time to continue that support.

The donation, coming in the form of a $300 check, is something that Dunaway hopes will benefit what the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is trying to accomplish and also hopes it will add to the foundation of what is already a beneficial friendship.

While the Lions Club does actively look for ways to give back, it was actually Habitat for Humanity that got in touch with them first. Every so often, the board for Habitat will reach out to businesses in the area that could be potential donors. The Lions Club was one of the organizations contacted.

Knowing that there was an organization asking for their help, Dunaway and the Lions Club felt called to pitch in where they could. Furthermore, Dunaway just enjoys giving back.

“It’s what life is supposed to be about. You are supposed to give more than you receive,” Dunaway said.

“We have a lot of good people in Dallas County, and they are one of them. They are building houses in our community for people who otherwise could not afford to have a place to live, so we want to support that organization.”

According to Elise Blackwell, board member of the Selma Habitat for Humanity, the money comes at a good time and can be put towards a good purpose.

Currently, Habitat for Humanity has a home that has been partially damaged due to a house fire and now requires repair.

This money, Blackwell says, will aid the repair process of the kitchen and other affected areas of the house.

In addition to the donation, the Lions Club sponsored two tables for the Selma Habitat for Humanity’s largest fundraiser of the year, which included an auction.

To Blackwell, receiving a good response from the Lions Club after reaching out makes all the difference in their operations.

“It means everything in the world to us. The mission for us is to build affordable houses with residents who are invested in the building. It is a hand up, rather than a hand out,” Blackwell said.

“And in order to do that, we have to raise enough money to buy the building materials and pay for part of the buildings. The Lions Club has always been a friend to Habitat for Humanity and to the community.”

Moving forward, both the Selma Lions Club and Habitat for Humanity hope to continue good relationships.

This includes the upcoming Central Alabama Crawfish Festival, which is sponsored by the Lions Club, among others.