The Bradford Area Lions Club is looking for new blood to add to the pride.

The club currently stands at 20 members but hopes to entice the younger set. They are especially interested in those who can bring fresh ideas to the table.

With their membership growing older each year, the club suffers from a too common issue among civic groups — their members are dedicated but they won’t be around forever. The club needs younger members to pick up the mantle or it will eventually cease to exist.

Rocky Pompa, 38, who was recently named Lion of the Year, is the youngest local member in his chapter. He is also one of the club’s vice presidents.

“I think a lot of people might not know exactly what we do and how we help make a difference,” said Pompa. “So we’re trying to get the word out there.”

The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month.

“We picked that time because we know that people have other responsibilities,” said Pompa. “We want them to be able to help when they can — not to feel like this is a job.”

The club’s mission comes down to three ideas: uniting for the good, serving a purpose and leading the way.

“It’s great to be a member of the Lions because you get to meet like-minded people who are dedicated to the same things you are,” said Pompa.

There are more than 1.4 million Lions serving in 49,000 clubs across the globe. Lions Clubs can be found in more than 200 countries.

“I can go anywhere around the globe, find a Lions Club and be welcome there,” said Pompa. “It’s almost like having instant friends — they understand you because all Lions have a shared philosophy and dedication to helping.”

Pompa joined the club six years ago, after being enticed by his sister Theresa Pfeil. He has since found great purpose in the volunteer work he does through the club.

“It feels good to get out and help make your community better,” said Pompa. “It gives you a feeling of hope when you are building a better tomorrow rather than just sitting around and complaining about today.”

Many people associate the Lions Club with sight programs and the prevention of blindness. Lions Clubs collect eyeglasses for recycling, host free vision screenings and have programs to help the less fortunate access the eye care they need. There are even Lions Eye Banks, which store and distribute human eye tissue for vision restoration, research and education.

“That is one of our bigger initiatives,” said Pompa. “It actually started after Hellen Keller came to visit a Lions Club and put the challenge upon them to help fight blindness.”

The group hosts other fundraisers throughout the year such as chicken barbecues and the annual Hotcakes for Heroes. Funds raised help support Lions initiatives both locally and worldwide.

In the next few years, they hope to become an even more vibrant force in the community through more hands-on programs.

“We are always looking for people who have new ideas on how we can better serve the community,” said Pompa. “We are open to hearing what types of help people need.”

Club members are especially interested in those who want to help and have big ideas.

“As a non-profit volunteer group, we have the ability to make things happen,” said Pompa. “If you have the idea, we have the manpower.”

Those who are interested in becoming a member can contact the Lions Club or any current member.

“If you are on the fence about it,” Pompa said, “I would highly encourage you to come to a meeting and find out what we’re all about.”