COMMUNITY   INVOLVEMENT

Sight First

The Centerville Lions Club’s biggest project is Sight First.  Locally, we provide eyeglasses to students in Centerville and Washington Township whose parents are unable to provide glasses for their kids.  We also collect used eyeglasses at various locations in the community for re-use in other countries. The world we live in has over 40 million blind people -- a figure that will double in two decades, unless the trend is reversed.  Lions Club International has declared war on all preventable and reversible (curable) blindness worldwide.  Eighty percent (80%) of the blindness is preventable and/or curable.  Principle causes include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, river blindness, vitamin A deficiency and trachoma. Lions Clubs around the globe have already raised over $130 million.  More than 2.2 million cataract surgeries have been done.  

Cracker Jacks On Beggar's Night in 2008

We have our most  fun handing out Cracker Jacks from Centerville Police and Washington Township Sheriff cruisers to over 2,500 kids each year on  Beggar’s  Night.  "It’s a blast!” according to Lion Lowell Chapman.  Multiple organizations help us sponsor the event including Centerville Krogers, Schwartz Mulch, Bill's Donuts, and Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home.  Partnering with the police departments is a great way to show our continuing community support.

Fourth of July Americana Parade 2009

The highlight of the Americana Festival is the  parade.  The Parade begins at 10:00am on East Franklin Street, west of Centerville High School, and proceeds West to Cline Elementary on Virginia Avenue.  Showcasing more than 120 units, the parade features numerous bands, floats, and numerous mobile and walking units. Look for the Centerville Lions.  You'll recognize them by their traditional red vests.