Shown above are George Woodrum, Past District Governor for the Lions Club; Boyd Harper, Club President; Dan Heintzman, District Governor; and Bobette Grimm, Lion.
The Lions Clubs International provides for vision charities and various service projects through numerous clubs in more than 200 countries worldwide. At one time, Putnam County boasted of six different Lions Clubs. Over the years, many of these clubs disbanded, with Scott Teays and Winfield remaining. On Monday, March 18, these two clubs combined into the Lions Club of Putnam County so that they might continue to provide services to the county, state, nation, and world.
The Lions Club helps people in the local community who cannot afford glasses. The organization also collects used glasses lens, which are sent overseas. The Putnam County Lions Club has several glasses collection boxes around the county. Locations include in front of the DMV in Teays Valley, Kroger, and the Herman Eye Center.
In addition to sponsoring sight programs, the Putnam County Lions Club contributes to Backpack Buddies and works with local food banks. The organization offers a scholarship program for students, as well as hosts a Flag Day essay contest for elementary age children.
“I think it’s an opportunity to serve the community that you are a member of,” said Boyd Harper, Club President. “Anyone is welcome to attend meetings, anyone who is interested in helping their fellow man.”
Local Lions Clubs have traditionally hosted various fundraisers throughout the year. The Putnam County Lions Club’s first fundraiser as a combined entity was a pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 16, at St. Johns Methodist Church in Teays Valley.
The Putnam County Lions Club will be hosting White Cane Day in April. During this event, they take donations for the organization’s sight fund. Volunteers will be set up on Route 817 in Winfield near Chapman’s Funeral Home.
The Putnam County Lions Club is always looking for new members. The organization meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Clubhouse located on 4 Second Street, Winfield. To access the building, go down Main Street to the Kanawha River.
