76 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
The Taneytown Lions Club was organized June 24, 1947, and chartered September 9, 1947, with 29 charter members. Since then, the Lions have conducted hundreds of public service activities and raised money for many local projects as well as aid to those in need.
A number of pavilions in the Taneytown Memorial Park were built through the efforts of the Taneytown Lions. The Taneytown Little League Baseball program was begun in 1953 under the sponsorship of the Lions. The Club also built the first ball field and dugouts. That program has grown tremendously since that time. The Club continues to support the Little League as well as many other Taneytown sports and youth activities.
The Taneytown Lions Club, through various fund-raising projects, provides donations and help to many local causes as well as significant contributions to the Lions Vision Research Center, Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the Leader Dog Program.
Each year, the Club awards two scholarships to deserving high school graduates from this area, as well as sponsoring a middle school peace poster contest.
The Club receives more and more requests each year for help for needy individuals in the community for eye exams, eyeglasses, and loan of medical equipment. Preschool eye exams are conducted annually at the two Taneytown preschools. Partnering with the Taneytown Elementary School, the Club built a Little Free Pantry that sits alongside of a Little Free Library. The club purchased a Club House building in 2003 for the purpose of storing hospital equipment and other supplies.
In addition to these traditional causes, the club made and fulfilled a significant commitment to the Lions Vision Research Foundation Endowment Fund at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Also in 2004, the club made a $10,000 commitment to the Carroll County Hospice, to be paid over 5 years. This commitment was fulfilled in just 3 years. Recently, the Club contributed over $29,000 to the Lions Clubs International Foundation Campaign 100 and was designated a Model Club for its significant contribution, most of which was given by individual members rather than fund-raisers. (The campaign ended in June, 2022 with contributions from all 48,000 clubs to exceed the goal of raising $300,000,000 to be used for humanitarian needs throughout the world.)
It requires many members working many hours on fund raising project to support the club’s budget. In 1980, the club began sponsoring two Pancake Breakfasts a year - the third Saturday in March and the third Saturday in November. Other annual fund raisers include Cash Bingo, Bus Trips, Quarterly Drawings (“10 Week Club”), and sales of holiday fruit, chocolates and gourmet nuts. In addition, our Food Trailer has been used at various other community events.
The club has worked hard, made our community a better place to live, and had a lot of fun since our start in 1947. The club continues to grow and we hope to do even more in the years ahead.
Click here for a brochure about the Taneytown Lions Club
Click here for a Membership Application form
Click here for more detailed information about Lions Clubs International
For loan of medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, canes, potty chair or hospital beds) please contact Lion Jim Haines at 410-756-4208.
Our club is always looking for new members who have a heart for serving others. Please contact any of our members to learn how you can become a part of this great Taneytown Lions organization. For further information on membership please contact our Membership Chairman Wayne Sherfey at 443-375-1729.
