Keene Lions Club Information

Chartered in 1937, the Keene Lions Club has been serving the needs of the less fortunate in the Monadnock Region for 75 years. The Keene Lions Club has adopted Eyesight preservation as the primary focus of our charitable giving. Although the club supports many charities and assists community organizations in many ways, Eyesight receives most of the club's effort and resources. Used eyeglasses may be easily donated to the Club by dropping them into this dropbox at the Keene Post Office. Eyesight assistance takes many forms from cataract surgery for the elderly to eyeglasses for youngsters whose families cannot afford the prescription glasses themselves. The club regularly purchases expensive reading aides that help people with limited vision continue to function and lead active, productive lives. The less privileged are referred to the club by social service organizations and physicians. Many times they contact the Lions Club on their own behalf. Each request is carefully considered,and if approved, funds are quietly made available directly to the recipient's physician or health care organization. In addition to eyesight causes, the Keene Lions have been responsible for spearheading community projects. New lighting, for example, at Keene High School's Alumni Field, Ashuelot River Park and The Keene Skate Park came about through the Keene Lion's efforts. Today the entire community benefits. Likewise, the club was responsible for the installation of swimming pools at both Robin Hood Park and Wheelock Park and playground equipment at the Keene Recreation Center. And in 2015, the Lions Pavilion was constructed at the Keene Recreation Center and donated to the City of Keene. The club takes responsibility for a stretch of highway leading into the city, and schedules regular clean-up days. The Keene Lions Club also collects used eyeglasses and recycles them into service for the needy. Keene Lions have also helped to provide defribulators and defribulator training devices to area rescue units and the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Lion's funds also go to support underprivileged children through scholarships for area youth to attend summer camps.