Vision Is Our Focus
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed our International Convention. She concluded her speech with this challenge:
"The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?"
Homer Lions take their role seriously. We raise awareness of the needs of the vision impaired, provide vision screenings and glasses to those in need in our community, and fund state and national Lions vision projects.
Homer Summer Festival Fundraiser
Lions members serve our famous roast pork loin sandwiches to hundreds of folks attending the Homer Summer Festival in August. The proceeds from the fundraiser benefit our projects focusing on local need.
Changing Lives, One Pair at a Time
In just about any dresser drawer, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person's life.
Throughout the year, Homer Lions collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to a regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. LERC volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses. Most of the recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact.
If you have used eyeglasses you no longer need, you can donate them now at the Homer Recycling Center . We accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic and metal frames. Children's glasses are especially needed. We also accept ink & toner cartridges.
View a video on how eyeglasses are recycled.
Scouting In Homer
The Homer Lions Club is the chartering organization for Cub Scout Pack 156 and Boy Scout Troop 156. Lions participate in groups events, serve as Merit Badge Counselors, and help with financial support for activities and outings.
Members are shown here in the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby measuring and certifying car entries. Other members judged the race results.
Pork Weiss Collegiate Scholarship
Annually the Homer Lions present a Homer High School senior with a $1,500 scholarship to the school of their choice.
The basis for these scholarships is community involvement and academic excellence.
Recycling Center Workdays
Homer Lions take their turn at the local recycling center each year.
Bingo Fundraisers
Twice a year Homer Lions host entertaining bingo nights. Players can win hams at the Easter event and turkeys at the Thanksgiving event, as well as cash prizes. Proceeds fund local projects.
Preschool Vision Screening
The Homer Lions Club provides vision screenings for preschool children.
We employ a 'Pediavision' camera system that is non-contact and which can identify several different types of vision impairments. If abnormalities are indicated, the parent is given information about how to contact a vision professional for follow up testing.
M-60 Road Clean Up
Spring and fall each year, members scour a 2 mile stretch of M-60 west of Homer picking trash, in conjunction with Michigan's Department of Transportation Adopt-a-Highway program.
