The Wheeling Lions Club
How We Serve
On January 6, 1922, in Wheeling, West Virginia, there was a small group of men who were concerned about the welfare of some of our indigent citizens and determined that they should do something to help. It was the beginning of a proud history of service to the Wheeling area that continues to engender the enthusiastic support of the local community.
Initially, our first area of service was to buy food for families that didn't have enough. We boldly took on a risky fundraising project and the need was met. We learned that there were infant children in the community who were not getting enough milk. So, a poker party was held and the house "drag" was dedicated to the Milk Fund. We sponsored a basketball game to make money. We chartered a train to Parkersburg to attend a ball game. And so it went: as the needs of the community multiplied, so did our fundraising events necessary to meet those needs.
Today our primary purpose is the furnishing of eye examinations and eyeglasses, particularly to school children and the elderly. The men and women of our Club also contribute substantially to the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation, which, in turn, provides funds for eye surgery, as well as basic eye research at WVU. We also purchase eye examination equipment (titmus machines) for our local schools, provide hearing examinations and hearing equipment whenever there is a need, and are responsible for maintaining the Heritage Trail in downtown Wheeling.
Our periodic projects also include an annual Police Testimonial Dinner to honor our local law enforcement personnel, fundraising by "ringing the bells" for the Salvation Army and serving meals at the local soup kitchen. Other local projects are funded by our club as the need arises.
Our weekly noon meetings at the WesBanco Arena have been described as boisterous and exuberant, (some would say "riotous"). However, our members are only exercising a tradition of biting repartee, handed down from a long line of eloquent Tail- Twisters. It's all in fun, and part of the friendship and camaraderie that has given our club its fun-loving reputation.
One good measure of a club's success is "What does the community think?" Based on the editorial comments of the news media, as well as the financial support of the local citizens, our club can truly be proud. But the best measure of our success is our longevity. We have been helping our community for over 76 years. Our ongoing commitment, as proven by our past, is proudly reflected in our motto:
"We serve."
