About

The Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club is a 501(c)3 charity and is all volunteer!  Founded by Denny and Danna Hiner, the charity’s mission statement is: The Jesters of Goodwill is dedicated to helping youth in need in the Lake area.  The primary goal is to improve the self-esteem of in-need children by providing basic needs and making it possible for them to participate in school or community activities.

Currently, 50% of children in the lake area live below the federal poverty line.  The Idiots Club works through lake area school districts including Camdenton, Climax Springs, Eldon, Macks Creek, and School of the Osage; as well as social agencies and civic groups that identify the needs of children living in poverty.  The Idiots Club does not work directly with parents or children, to help maintain confidentiality.  Requests are made by professionals in the field working directly with these children.  The need is purchased or service arranged by the Idiots Club and given to the referring person to deliver to the child.  This charity is supported by numerous local businesses. Some assist with fundraising and some provide discounts on goods and services purchased for kids in-need.

This charity was started in June 2014 by two retired educators who saw firsthand the needs of many students they dealt with on a day-to-day basis.  The needs are great and varied.  The Idiots Club charity has supplied track and football shoes, art supplies, wood for shop projects, dental and eye care, thousands of pairs of shoes, fumigation for bed bugs, Buddy Pack food for kids, clothing(lots), sports participation fees, choir, and band trip expenses, band instruments, car batteries and tires for working kids, hygiene products, Dual Credit Tuition Scholarships and the list goes on and on!

As of April 1, 2024, the Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club has provided 53,294 child assists.  A child assist is whenever the charity provides a good or service for a child.  Some children receive assistance on numerous occasions, such as Buddy Packs.  The Idiots Club has spent a total of $1,250,071.68  helping children living in poverty!  

To assist this Charity with its mission, purchase IDIOTS CLUB memberships, and products, and/or donate. Check out our online store on the “Shop” page! Also, donations may be sent to: Idiots Club, PO Box 1185, Osage Beach, MO 65065.  Venmo @lotoidiotsclub

Like our Facebook page: Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club to see the things the charity does to aid kids in need.  You may email us at: lotoidiotsclub@gmail.com