Between the Lions The Farmville Lions Club Established 1923

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WE SERVE

The Farmville Lions Club

The club was organized by Dr. J. L. Jarman, President of State Normal School (Longwood University), following a visit to the Lynchburg Club (oldest chartered club in Virginia-11/14/21).

The club was chartered by Lions International on June 23, 1923, although the club began to function before the charter was received with thirty-one charter members. (The charter was presented on January 17, 1924)

In 1923, The Farmville Lions Club had to establish its own priorities. There were no major service activities directed by Lions International. The club was a booster organization for development of community enterprises and civic pride. When Farmville needed a new hotel, a new hospital, an airport, better roads, bonds for street improvement, road signs and statewide projects, such as Virginia Historical Highways, projects were turned over to the Lions to help get these things accomplished.

Lions' work with the blind began around 1927 when the State Convention was held here and Helen Keller appeared in person to address the convention. Aiding the blind became one of the major service activities of Lionism. This service continues as Lions throughout the world raised over $140,000,000 recently in our "Sight First" campaign to help eradicate blindness. Our club collects old glasses to be recycled and to send to poor countries of the world.