WHILE the drought continues to affect people in the Upper Hunter, the Denman Lions Club will be there to support them.
That was the mandate from president Steven Carter at the organisation's recent changeover dinner.
Visitors from the Muswellbrook Lionesses attended the annual function, along with guests from various community groups throughout the district.
However, the attention turned to a sombre subject.
"Unfortunately, the current dry conditions are still impacting many residents," Mr Carter said.
"A lot of time and effort has been put in by our club members to assist farmers and those doing it tough.
"We were able to bring families around Merriwa and Cassilis, who are feeling the effect of this terrible drought, some joy over Christmas - handing out more than 500 gifts and vouchers, plus 50 food hampers, 70 cakes and puddings."
But, the help didn't stop there.
"Over the past year, our club has supplied in excess of 400 boxes of food, which was mainly donated, and a total of $22,386.83 in vouchers for groceries, medicines and fuel," Mr Carter said.
"The majority of them were sourced from businesses within our local community.
"It was also great to have the Denman View Club on deck wrapping Christmas presents for Merriwa.
"My gratitude goes to the numerous members and volunteers, as well as our fellow Lions, Lionesses and Leos.
"They've assisted at several events such as the Denman Pig Races, Inglis Horse Sales, Denman Farmers Market and Cracker Night, as well as with Rotary on Anzac Day cooking breakfast and lunch for the returned servicemen and women at the Denman RSL Club.
"They have also manned the barbecue at the swimming club, the skate park and Pluck-a-Duck.
"All up, there are too many people to thank.
"However, it is comforting to know the whole of our 201N3 district and the cabinet is right behind everything we are doing."
2019-2020 Denman Lions Club executive: president, Steven Carter; secretary, Keith Murray; assistant secretary, Tracy Ward; treasurer, Maria Simpson; assistant treasurer, Martin Byrne; 1st vice-president, John Sowter; 2nd vice-president, Steven Ward; 3rd vice-president, Gary Newton; Tail Twister, Don Sparke
