Doreen Stallworth is one of the thousands of hard-working members of the Lions Clubs International, those gold-vested volunteers who put in hundreds of hours on service projects and for-a-good-cause fundraisers.
Here’s a specific reason to salute her: Thanks to this grandmother from Conyers, Georgia Lions are collecting and donating new pajamas for hospitalized children.
Stallworth knows that when families rush unexpectedly to the hospital, they’re usually not thinking about the need for a clean change of clothes. She recalls how a granddaughter’s trip to the emergency room turned into a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and a six-day hospital stay. Her son had to return home to get the overnight clothes.
So when Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston asked if the Lions could help out by supplying new pajamas for their young patients, Stallworth became a vocal supporter of the PJ Pack – new pajamas, underwear and socks in a zip-top bag, categorized according to size and gender. These packs are distributed to families throughout the hospital who need an extra set of clothes.
“The PJ Pack Program eases the burden for our families, and we’re so grateful to the Lions Club for all they’ve done for us,” said Ansley Johnson, CHOA’s volunteer coordinator of special events. “It is especially important for families who come to us after unexpected incidents or children removed from the home to have something they can call theirs.”
When Stallworth introduced the PJ project to her district’s leaders, she did so with more pep than push. She explained the need, but was careful to let each club decide whether to participate. Take the idea back to your club and see what you think, and there will be a collection box at the next meeting, she told them.
The results took Stallworth by surprise. The clubs loved the idea, she said.
“We had so many pajamas I had to get another box,” Stallworth said. “One club brought in 53 PJ Packs.”
And the pajamas kept coming in. At one Lions Club, members contacted manufacturers like Oshkosh and Carter’s looking for deals, then purchased 200 pairs of pajamas through online sales. Other clubs added bibs and diapers to their donations.
Stallworth introduced her project statewide and collected hundreds of PJ Packs at the Georgia Lions convention held earlier this year. It’s even sparked the interest of Lions from other states. A Kansas Lions Club leader has already vowed to start the project there, Stallworth said.
“The PJ Packs are helping families in need, and that’s a good thing. We’re giving back,” she said.
Johnson said the Lions Club was their greatest advocate when the PJ program was getting off the ground in 2017 and helped communicate the need for these donations. Other service groups and churches now regularly support the program, as PJs are always needed at the children’s hospitals.
Stallworth has been recognized statewide for her leadership in Lions service. The international organization focuses on vision, diabetes, childhood cancer, hunger and the environment.
“I will say that for several years, Doreen has exemplified through her selfless service what Lionism is all about, and she has been and continues to be an inspiration to Lions all over Georgia, including myself,” said Steve Williams, District Governor for the Lions of Georgia.
Stallworth and husband Earl joined the Covington Lions Club 15 years ago. They were retiring and wanted a way to give back to their community. Both are active in the organization, with Doreen having been cabinet secretary for three Lions club district governors and now serving as a district global service coordinator.
Last year, she was given the Ervin Crumbly Award for lifelong service, the highest honor a Georgia Lion can achieve.
“It was given because of her willingness to serve without expecting anything in return,” said past District Governor Mark Bradley. “I’ve never met anyone with a greater servant’s heart. Doreen is a great investor in people.”
Stallworth said she enjoys the camaraderie of working side-by-side with friends. “There are a lot of other clubs that are more social. Lions work. We work hard. The end result and the satisfaction of knowing we’ve helped those in need, that’s what keeps us going,” she said.
WHAT INSPIRES DOREEN STALLWORTH
Camp Kudzu: Camp for children and teens with Type 1 diabetes. "I have a place in my heart for Camp Kudzu because they really helped out my Kalia (granddaughter)." Stallworth chaired a Lions bowling fundraiser last year which raised $840, sending three kids to Camp Kudzu on scholarship.
Women in Lions leadership roles: "I recognize the men as Lions, but as more women have gotten into Lionism, the service part has become huge. It's so natural for women to be nurturers, and the service has multiplied big-time."
Service of Lions worldwide: "If more people in this world would have a heart and give back, we would have a better world. Lions just take care of a small part of what's needed in this world. When people see Lions, they know we're at work. Lions have a heart."
Club activities: "If you asked my two grandchildren how much I give to the Lions activities, they would say '100%.'"
HELP US INSPIRE ATLANTA
We recognize a big part of our journalistic mission is to shine a spotlight on wrongdoings and to hold our public officials accountable.
But we also understand the importance of celebrating our region’s moments, milestones and people. That’s exactly what we hope to accomplish with Inspire Atlanta.
Each week, Inspire Atlanta will profile a person that makes metro Atlanta a better place in which to live.
Of course, we can't do this alone: We need your help in finding extraordinary people and identifying inspiring stories across our region. Today's story on Doreen Stallworth and the PJ Pack Program was suggested to us by Steve Williams, District Governor for the Lions of Georgia.
Know someone who inspires you or makes metro Atlanta a better place for others?
Email us at inspireatlanta@ajc.com.
