The Libertytown-Unionville  Lions Club

It all began in 1917, over 90 years ago, when a group of independent clubs responded to an idea presented to them by a young Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones.  The idea was for these clubs to provide service as a group to their fellow men without regard to politics, religion, race or in any way the personal interest of the members.  This was a sharp departure from the trend at that time for clubs to be primarily commercial in motive.  A conference was held of some 25 independent clubs on June 7, 1917, and from this meeting Lions Clubs in America was born.  The first convention was held in Dallas, Texas, in October of that year, and Dr. W. P. Woods of Indiana was elected to be the first president.  Melvin Jones was named acting Secretary, thus beginning a lifetime association with Lionism that ended with his death in 1961.

At this convention, the colors of purple and gold were approved and the Lionism Objects and Code of Ethics were written.  Community and business leaders began organizing Lions Clubs throughout the United States and in 1920 the Windsor, Ontario Lions Club was chartered, thus making the Association of Lions Clubs international.

Today with more than 45,000 clubs in 199 countries and geographical areas, more than 1.35 million Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of both our global and local communities.

Our programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: WE SERVE.

Special emphasis is given to the blind and hearing impaired because Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "Knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the 1925 International Convention.  Read her moving speech here.

Lions have tackled other tough problems such as drug abuse and diabetes awareness.  They provide immediate and sustained relief in time of disaster and offer long-term assistance to those in need such as earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes. 

Lions collect and recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries and treat millions of people to prevent river blindness.

Lions work throughout the world, but each Lions Club places the special needs of the local community high on the club's agenda.  A list of how WE SERVE in our community follows:

	Ophthalmologists' care including prescription glasses.
	Loan of medical equipment.
	Support of the Libertytown Recreation Council (We sponsor two baseball   teams, etc.).
	Scholarships for high school graduates (at least $2,000 annually, $3,000 in 2006).
	Support of the Boy Scouts of America, Libertytown Troop 1062.
	Libertytown Food Bank.
	Linganore High School Safe and Sane Graduation Program.
	Libertytown Voluntary Fire Department.
	Poinsettias delivered to local sick and shut-ins at Christmas time.
	Vision Screening program for pre-school children.  (Initiated in 2005).
	Frederick County Hospice.
	CASS Program at Linganore High School.
	Liberty Elementary School  -- Media Center.
	Special needs.  These are often brought to our attention by local citizens.  Some examples are: helping rebuild a house destroyed by fire, constructing ramps for a disabled person, paying medical bills, etc.

The extensive world wide efforts of Lions has required special methods of funding to be successful so in 1968 the Lions Club International Foundation was established.  Also in 1989 very special needs were identified and so Campaign Sight First was formed.  You may learn more of these important programs by clicking on the appropriate link bars on this page.