Making Papa Proud

For 17-year-old Mia Narciso of Palos Park, Illinois, the Lions club was always synonymous with her grandfather, Thomas “Tom” Post. Along with family and football, giving back to others was most important for the man they called Papa.

“He was the kindest person I’ve ever met,” Mia said. “It never mattered if he knew you or not. It was never a matter of reciprocation. That was just who he was at his core.”

A Guiding Force

Growing up in the small suburb southwest of Chicago, Mia’s earliest memories include joining her grandfather for Palos Lions Club events and helping with service projects. She and her family fondly recall the fun of Candy Day and the fragrance of the spruces and firs at the Christmas tree sales.

Even as a small child, Mia recognized the significance of their activities. She credits these foundational moments with the Lions for instilling a sense of responsibility for her community and beyond. “I’ve always modeled everything after their exemplary service and dedication. It truly became a guiding force,” she said.

Tom was especially passionate about the Lions Recycle For Sight Program, which collects and distributes eyeglasses to individuals in low- and middle-income countries. In his 35 years as a Lion, Mia estimates that her grandfather transported hundreds of thousands of eyeglasses — meticulously cleaning and packaging each pair before driving them to the recycling center. He was well-known and loved by the partners at the many collection sites — somehow always finding time to stop and talk with everyone he encountered.

As young children, Mia and her sister relished riding along on these expeditions. And as Tom’s health declined in later years, the girls (by then newly licensed drivers) were happy to assist behind the wheel. Their mother, Gina Narciso, explained, “We saw this as an opportunity — not just for Mia and Bella to practice good highway driving — but to do a good service and have that one-on-one time in the car with my father.”

For years, Mia and Bella, along with their brothers Chance and Indy, wanted to be Lions like their grandpa. “The kids would always ask me, ‘How can we do what Papa does?’” Gina said. But at the time, she was unaware of opportunities within the organization for teens.

An Enduring Family Legacy

After Tom died in November 2023, the whole family was determined to carry his legacy of service and kindness forward. At the emotional celebration of life ceremony, during which Tom was honored with remarks from numerous Lions, Gina and her three siblings were inducted into the Palos Lions Club.

In that moment, Mia became more resolute than ever to get involved. “Watching my mom and uncles and aunt get inducted as Lions made me want to give back to the community in a way that would make [Papa] proud,” she said. Mia did her research and discovered Leo clubs, which are sponsored by local Lions clubs and open to members as young as age 12.

The honor student quickly set to work founding the Leo Club of Palos, which has rapidly grown to over 30 members and counting (including Mia’s brothers and sisters) across six local schools since it was chartered in August 2024. Mia, who is the club president, shares that local press, social media outreach and spirited weekly meetings held at the library have helped to spread the word.

But above all, Mia attributes the club’s early success to an earnest and sometimes overlooked desire among young people to give back.

“There’s a stigma around youth nowadays that we’re not as involved with the community,” she said. “But I think this shows how much we do want to contribute and, when given the opportunity, we will show up. It’s been so incredible to interact with these kids.”

A Bright Future

Though still in its early days, the Leo Club of Palos has made impressive strides — supporting the activities of their sponsoring Lions club, while establishing their own goals. Mia appreciates the way Leos and Lions collaborate and learn from one another. And that respect goes both ways.

“Mia is a great leader. She is highly motivated and has recruited members that share a spirit of service,” said Herb Schumann, past club president and longtime Palos Lions Club member. “Establishing a community-based Leo club, with the ability to recruit from public and private schools was a very good idea. As the Palos Lions Club celebrates its 75^th anniversary, our future looks bright.”

Mia has lofty ambitions — both for her Leo club and her future. The club’s short-term plans include technology tutoring for older adults, collecting gently used sports equipment for kids, organizing food and clothing drives, and more. In time, Mia hopes to partner with other Leo clubs, near and far, to strengthen their reach and impact.

“Mia has always been the compassionate child who cares deeply about other people,” Gina said. “She’s coming into her own right now and looking at colleges. I think she’s seeing that this path of advocacy is something she really wants. I could not be more proud, and I know my dad is, too.”

Learn more about Leos at lionsclubs.org/leos.