Serving Others for 100 Years!
The Newport Lions' main service project is our Eye Health Program. Each year, our members perform eye screening in schools on Aquidneck Island. If further screening is indicated and the student’s family is in need of assistance, the Newport Lions provide for eye exams and eyeglasses. We also provide this service for adults in Newport who cannot afford exams or glasses.
Throughout the year we collect recycled eyeglasses. Donated glasses are sorted by our members The glasses are then dropped off at a recycling center where they are cleaned and sorted by prescription. These glasses are then brought to needy children, adults and the elderly around the world – changing their lives for the better.
Once a year the Newport Lions take part in White Cane Day. Our members and volunteers take to the streets of Newport and collect donations from the public. The proceeds are donated to the FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation, providing guide dogs and in-home training to sight impaired clients.
We established Support Our Troops several years ago. Members assembled and sent packages containing donated food, supplies and letters of encouragement to our servicemen and women serving around the world. Today, we are continuing to honor our heroes and our first responders and their families.
Monies from fundraisers are used for community aid and also donated to various RI Lions charities, such as the RI Lions Children’s’ Cancer Fund. This charity provides housing and support to families whose children are being treated for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
During the Christmas season “Singing Santa and his Singing Reindeer” visit various nursing homes in Newport and spread some joy to the patients. This past year we visited the RI Veteran’s Home in Bristol, RI where we were accompanied in the carol singing by several of the veterans.
The Newport Lions try to reach those in need; whether it is a new pair of glasses, letters of support from home or a friendly smile to a child in the hospital or a person in a nursing home.
