Lions are the men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions strive to help those in need, wherever need exists. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve.”
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their annual International Convention, challenging them to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,” since that time, service to the blind and visually impaired has become one of the association’s most significant activities. That crusade has resulted in the establishment of Sight First, a global sight prevention program.
In addition, Lions participate in service activities emphasizing diabetes awareness, education, and research; work with the physically and mentally impaired; environmental issues; community welfare; international understanding and youth.
The association was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1917. Although the youngest major service organization, Lions Clubs International has grown to be the world’s largest. Its 1.4 million members belong to clubs in over 180 countries and geographical locations. Lions Club International is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA.
To the Lions, “We Serve” is not only a motto, but a definition and philosophy.
For more than sixty years, Lions have been recognized throughout the world for their service to the blind and visually impaired. A majority of the world’s eye banks are established and supported by Lions, as are the hundreds of clinics, hospitals, and eye research centers. In their local communities, Lions provide thousands each year with FREE quality eye care, eyeglasses, and optical aides. They also recycle eyeglasses and support research for diabetes and diabetic eye care.
The West Texas Lions Eye Bank Alliance serves the following 41 counties in west Texas: Andrews, Brewster, Brown, Coke, Coleman, Concho, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, Ector, El Paso, Gillespie, Glasscock, Howard, Hudspeth, Irion, Jeff Davis, Kimble, Llano, Loving, Martin, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Midland, Mitchell, Nolan, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Reeves, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton, Terrell, Tom Green, Upton, Ward, and Winkler
