Become a Founding Member of the Matawan Lions Club

The Greater Matawan area will soon be home to a new chapter of the Lions Club, an international service organization with 1.35 million members worldwide.

Lions Club is the world's largest service organization, according to their website. Although the organization is worldwide, each chapter's focus is local. Members get together to determine how to better the local community, whether it is by fundraising for a recreation sport or cleaning up a park.

"We're not a political or religious organization," said Donald Bray, the membership chair for Monmouth and Ocean County. "We're here to help the community and do what is needed for the community."

Although the club originally planned to take root in Matawan, Bray has noticed interest spreading to business owners and residents in neighboring communities. Bray said the club is open to everyone from the area - including Aberdeen, Hazlet, Morganville, Marlboro and Holmdel.

To charter a new chapter of Lions Club, there has to be at least 20 members. However, Bray explained, it's better to begin with about 30 to 35 members in case a few change their minds.

Bray said that the time commitment is based on how involved the member is. An average member spends about 4 hours a month volunteering.

An informational meeting was already held at the and a second one will be held there on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Bray via email at donnanbray1@verizon.net or by calling 732-232-3157.