Waco Founder Lions Club
Volunteerism not only helps our city but it creates community – a core trait the Waco Founder Lions Club has demonstrated since their establishment in 1916. For 104 years, both local and worldwide chapters of the Lions Club meet together for fellowship and service. The Lions Club can be recognized for their many contributions to the city, the organization sends children to Texas Lions Camp, provides scholarships to students seeking to further their education at the collegiate level, conducts food drives, sends funds around the nation and world in effort to combat childhood diseases or assist with disaster relief, and provides the community a safe place to experience fun at Lions Park Kiddie Land.
Over the past five years, efforts have focused on vision and hearing screenings across our city with the goal of identifying signs of visual and auditory assistance need. Louise Powell, Waco Founder Lions Club Vision Chair reported “9,000 vision screenings with a computerized spot screener has been performed at schools, day cares and community centers for children and adults. The screener reveals ordinary eye problems such as nearsightedness and abnormalities that point to serious conditions such as amblyopia.” They not only provide screenings but also pay at times for vision and hearing exams for Wacoans that do not have insurance coverage.
“I know that the Waco Founder Lions Club and other Lions Clubs in our area and world have made a huge difference in the everyday lives of many people” shared Louise. They currently have 100 men and women making up their membership and are always seeking more - a heart for service is required - but a desire for members with medical personnel would be especially helpful as they work toward their goal of achieving a healthier Waco.