Club Projects

Scroll down or click on the committee/project name to learn more. Contact information is found on the Contact Us page.

Vision Programs
Community Programs and Giving
Disaster Preparedness
Fundraising
San Carlos Lions Club Committees

Vision Programs (Return to Top)

In 1925 Helen Keller challenged the Lions Clubs of America to band together to SERVE the blind and needy with impaired vision. This wonderful woman with multiple handicaps called her inability to see the greatest of her limitations.

One of the first great steps was the White Cane, which makes the blind person more mobile and was proposed in 1927 by Lion George Bonham. The White Cane became not only a symbol stating that the user was blind but also a tool of sight-by-feel for the blind and near blind.

As concern for those with failing or lost sight grew over time, the cost of the new deeds of sight serving were outstripping many Lions Clubs financial reserves.

In 1951 in Monterey Park, California, the Lions invited their neighbors to share in the Club’s Sight-serving and to contribute to the Lion Sight Conservation Fund. This they did, on a day called WHITE CANE DAYS. (See below.)

Eyeglass Collection (Return to Top)

In addition to White Cane Days, the San Carlos Lions Club collects eyeglasses, throughout the year. These go on to help millions of people worldwide.

Donation locations include:

San Carlos Library, 600 Elm Street
San Carlos Adult Community Center, 601 Chestnut Street
Tierra Linda Middle School Office, 750 Dartmouth Street
San Carlos Elms, 707 Elm Street
Church of Epiphany, 1800 Arroyo Street
Prima Printing, 1349 Laurel Street
CopyCopier, 1500 Industrial Road
Genetec, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco (10 locations)
Michael Tiernan Optometrist, 1225 San Carlos Avenue
Leslie Weil Optometrist, 1008 Laurel Street
All of Eyes on You, 366 El Camino Real
Family Eye Center. 1601 El Camino Real #302
Optometry@Redwood Shores, 303 Twin Dolphin #122,Redwood City
Spectrum Eye Care, 750 El Camino Real
Carlmont High School's Sojourn to the Past
San Carlos Adult Community Center
San Carlos Caring Cupboard
San Carlos Hometown Days

Vision Screening (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club provides the equipment and support staff for eye screening for students at San Carlos schools. For more information click here.

White Cane Days (Return to Top)

WHITE CANE DAYS continued to grow until thousands of Lions clubs were holding WHITE CANE DAYS fundraisers.

Donations raised during WHITE CANE DAYS are used to support the Lions Eye Foundation, which provides eyeglasses for those who cannot afford them, eye surgery for those who cannot afford it and eye sight testing for children.

To support this, please donate your eyeglasses or donate to the San Carlos Lions Club.

Community Programs and Giving (Return to Top)

The Lions Club supports a wide variety of community programs, groups, projects and events.

To participate, become a San Carlos Lion, donate to the San Carlos Lions Club, or participate in any or all of the events below.

4H (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports 4H activities by purchasing animals at 4H autions, supports 4H fundraising projects, and makes direct donations to local 4H groups.

Adopt-a-Family (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports local families in need.

Adopt-a-Highway (Return to Top)

San Carlos Lions Club members pick up trash along the freeway and at the Holly Street entrance to San Carlos on the first Saturday of each month.

To participate, contact a Lions Club member and we will let you know the date and time of the next pickup.

Blood Drive (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club works with the Red Cross to sponsor a yearly blood drive.

To participate, check our calendar and donate.

Blue Star Moms (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Club Lions supports Blue Star Moms. The group sends care packages to service men and women. We collect donations at our monthly meetings. Donation items include:

To participate, bring donations to any San Carlos Lions Club member.

Boy Scouts (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports Boy Scout fundraising projects, and sponsors a number of local Boy Scout troups.

Canine Companions (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club Canine Companions programs.

Caring Cupboard (Return to Top)

In 1989 realizing a local need, the San Carlos Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs collaborated with the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Senior Center to create The Caring Cupboard food distribution program targeted at low-income seniors. The Caring Cupboard distributes $30,000 worth of food each year. Local volunteers, contribute hundreds of hours each month to make the program a success.

How does it work? Twice a month, the group delivers a free bag of groceries to qualified recipients. To qualify you must be...

How do you sign up? Register at the San Carlos Adult Community Center. Your registration is free and strictly confidential.

Chickens' Ball (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club has supported the San Carlos Chickens' Ball since its inception in 1940. The Ball is the in the longest running PTA fundraising event in the United States. Members have participated in set building, back stage operations, administratie support

Chickens' Ball Skit (Return to Top)

For many years, the San Carlos Lions Club has had a skit in the San Carlos Chickens' Ball.

To support this cause, attend the San Carlos Chickens' Ball and cheer for the Lions Club skit.

Christmas Sing-a-long (Return to Top)

The San Carlos and Redwood Shores Lions Club carol at several assisted living homes in the area. Check the Lions Club calendar for dates, times, and locations.

Community Support (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports a variety of other community activities, programs, and projects on an as-needed basis.

Easter Egg Hunt (Return to Top)

The Lions Club hosts a city-wide Easter Egg Hunt for the children of San Carlos.

Family Campout (Return to Top)

San Carlos Lions Club members cook hot dogs and hamburgers to support the San Carlos Family Campout event.

To support this effort, attend the event, or donate to the program.

Flags for San Carlos (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club proudly donates the American flags used by the City of San Carlos.

To support this effort, donate to the club.

Goblin Walk (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Club members support the Park and Recreation Foundation yearly event by providing entertainment.

Holiday Santa and Mrs. Claus (Return to Top)

Every year the San Carlos Lions Club teams up with the San Carlos Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce to offer a day of fun during the December Holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus always shows up to greet the children. Everyone can donate toys the the Kiwanis Toy Drive, and non-perishable food to the Caring Cupboard.

Hometown Days (Return to Top)

Every year the San Carlos Lions Club teams with the San Carlos Junior Matrons to raise funds through a Hot Dog/Hamburger stand at Hometown Days.

The Lions team with the San Carlos Leos to sell sweets through the Sweet Shack stand at Hometown Days. Funds support the Leos' projects.

For more information about San Carlos Hometown Days, click here.

Hometown Days Parade (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club participates in the yearly San Carlos Hometown Days Parade.

JM Social Club (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports the San Carlos JM Social Club (formally Junior Matrons) by teaming up to host a Hot Dog/Hamburger stand at Hometown Days. Also the club supports, publicizes, and participates in various Junior Matron projects.

Kases for Kids (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports Kases for Kids. The program buys suitcases and backpacks for foster children.

Leos (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club sponsors middle and high school students to participate in the Leos program. They are junior lions. The group hosts a number of fundraising projects to support various charity programs. Lions assist with projects, help organize fundraising, and chaperone events.

To support this group, donate to their projects.

Lions Club International Foundation (Return to Top)

Our mission is to support the efforts of Lions clubs and partners in serving communities locally and globally, giving hope and impacting lives through humanitarian service projects and grants. Focus areas include Vision, Youth, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian, Diabetes, Hunger, Environment, Childhood Cancer.

For more information, click here.

Mahany Hall (Return to Top)

Members of the Lions Club participate in projects to support Mahany Hall. A member of the club sits on the Oversight Committee for publicly funded Mahany Hall Fundraisers/Grants. The hall serves as the Red Cross Emergency Response Center for San Carlos.

Mahany Hall Pasta and Bingo Night (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club participates in various fundraising projects, including a Pasta and Bingo Night, to support Mahany Hall.

Night of Holiday Lights (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club hosts a wine and beer booth at the Night of Holiday Lights celebration.

Peace Poster Contest (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club sponsers an art contest for students 12-adult. Winning entries progress through Lions Club regional, state, and international competions.

Police and Fire Awards (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports the Police and Fire Awards. Every Spring the awards program recognizes outstanding police and fire department officers in San Mateo County. Check the calendar for date, time, and location.

Rise Against Hunger (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club participates in the San Carlos Week of the Family by organizing a Rise for Hunger Event. As part of Service Day, local families create meals for people with food insecurity.

San Carlos Chamber of Commerce (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports the Chamber of Commerce during the Art and Wine Festival by by working the Beer and Ticket booths.

San Carlos History Museum (Return to Top)

Members of the San Carlos Lions Club volunteer their time working with the San Carlos Histroy Museum.

The museum building was built by members of the San Carlos Lions Club.

Sojourn to the Past (Return to Top)

Every year, San Carlos Lions Club members offer a Tri-Tip dinner to support Carlmont High School's Sojourn to the Past program. The program allows high school students to journey back to the time of the civil rights movement. Proceeds from sales of Tri-Tip dinners offset travel expenses for this important program to raise awareness about US history.

To support this effort, attend the event, or donate to the program.

St. Anthony's (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club volunteers in the kitchen at St. Anthony's. For current dates, please check the Lions Club calendar.

St. Francis Center (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports St. Francis Center by direct donations and supporting specific projects.

To Support this effort, donate to the Lions Club.

Student Scholarships (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports education by offering a number of $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors. This scholarship is available for any students planning to attend a junior college, four year college or trade school.

Student Speaker Contest (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports a yearly Student Speaker Contest. Winners go on to compete at the district, region, state and international levels for cash prizes.

Tech Trek (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports this summer technology camp for 7th grade girls. The camp teaches STEM skills.

Toys for Tots (Return to Top)

San Carlos Leos support the Toys for Tots charity by holding a toy drive.

Veterans Causes (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports various veterans causes including:

Wreaths Across America – to honor our veterans, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers lay over 700,000 memorial wreaths at 1,000 locations in the United States and beyond, including ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, as well as Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the sites if the September 11 tragedies. This was accomplished with help from 2,047 sponsorship groups, corporate contributions, and donations of trucking, shipping, and thousands of helping hands. The wreath-laying is held annually on the second or third Saturday of December.
VA Homeless Programs – the San Carlos Lions Club supports VA Stand Downs. These are typically 1-3 day events during which VA staff and volunteers provide food, clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services.
Blue Star Moms Care Packages for At-Risk Veterans – the San Mateo County Blue Star Moms assemble care packages for at-risk or homeless Veterans. Care packages typically contain healthy snacks, socks, toiletries, hand sanitizer, blankets, and personal grooming supplies.

Week Of The Family (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club supports and leads various San Carlos Week of the Family events. To participate, check the club calendar, or the Week of the Family calendar, for dates, times, and locations.

Disaster Preparedness (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions prepare to help San Carlos residence in the event of a disaster.

Mahany Hall Shelter (Return to Top)

In the event of a disaster, the San Carlos Lions are trained to run and maintain the Red Cross Emergency Shelter.

To support this cause, donate to the San Carlos Lions Club. See the Contact Us page.

Mock Disaster Drill (Return to Top)

Members of the San Carlos Lions Club participate in drills to prepare to bring Mahany Hall into service as a local Emergency Shelter.

Red Cross (Return to Top)

Members of the San Carlos Lions Club work with the Red Cross to support our Blood Drive and Disaster Preparedness projects.

Fundraising (Return to Top)

To supports our projects, the San Carlos Lions Club has a number of fundraisers. 100 percent of all funds raised by these events go to our charitable programs. None of the funding supports the club, club members or club operational costs.

Crab Feed (Return to Top)

Each year the San Carlos Lions puts on a crab dinner for over 150 San Carlans. All proceeds to to support charitible donations made by the club.

To support this event, check our calendar for date, time, and location.

Here's a slide show of the 2018 event.
Click here >: https://animoto.com/play/eA3rZkqJ00lgAE9AxRvP9Q

Hometown Days Candy Booth (Return to Top)

As a fundraiser, the San Carlos Leos hosts a Candy Booth at Hometown Days. All proceeds go to Leos' projects.

To support this effort, stop by at Hometown Days. Check the club calendar for dates, times, and location.

Hometown Days Food Booth (Return to Top)

As a fundraiser, the San Carlos Lions hosts a food Booth at Hometown Days. The hot dog and hamburger booth is co-sponsored with the San Carlos JM Social Club (formally Junior Matrons). Proceeds are split between the groups.

To support this effort, stop by at Hometown Days. Check the club calendar for dates, times, and location.

Placemat Ads for Fundraising Dinners (Return to Top)

To support the Lions Club Foundation, we create placemats for our fundraising dinners. Local businesses and individuals purchase ads on the placemats.

To support this effort, purchase one or more ads. Check out our club calendar for dates of upcoming events.

Santa Paws (Return to Top)

Each year, the San Carlos Lions offers a photo opportunity for families and their pets to have pictures with Santa. Proceeds fund animal-related community projects. Check our Calendar for date, time, and location.

Tri-Tip Dinner (Return to Top)

Each year, the San Carlos Lions offers a tri-tip dinner for over 150 San Carlans. All proceeds support San Carlos Lions Club charitable donations. This event is typically held in the Fall. Check our Calendar for date, time, and location.

San Carlos Lions Club Committees (Return to Top)

Asset Management (Return to Top)

The committee manages club assest.

Beer and Brats (Return to Top)

This internal fundraiser support San Carlos Lions Club members and funds miscelaneous club overhead.

Benevolance (Return to Top)

The Lions Club provides support to families of deceased Lions members and other community members in need.

District 4C4 Convention (Return to Top)

Annually, the San Carlos Lions Club attends the disctrict 4C4 Convention. A club member coordinates logistics and activities.

Facebook (Return to Top)

Go to our facebook page to see club pictures of events and programs.

Google (Return to Top)

Lions Club members maintain the club's email, calendar, and shared files in a Google.

Greeters (Return to Top)

Lions Club members serve as greeters to guests at our meetings.

Holiday Gala (Return to Top)

Every year the San Carlos Lions Club joins with other local Lions Clubs and orginizations for a Holiday Gala.

House Committee (Return to Top)

This team supports the setup and catering of our general meetings.

Installation (Return to Top)

This team coordinates the election and installation of new club officers. The Officer Installation event is held each summer. Check out our club calendar for date, time, and location.

Inter-club Activities (Return to Top)

The San Carlos Lions Club commonly joins with other clubs in the area to sponsor and support a wide variety of projects.

To support this effort, join the Lions Club and/or donate.

Lobster Feed (Return to Top)

This internal fundraiser support San Carlos Lions Club members and funds miscelaneous club overhead.

Newsletter (Return to Top)

The Lions Club periodically publishes a club newsletter.

Peninsula Council of Lions (Return to Top)

The Peninsula Council of Lions (PCL) is a District committee that comprises of Lions clubs in San Mateo County and Palo Alto. Its purpose is to communicate and exchange ideas between clubs to further Lionism. It coordinates with the San Francisco Coordinating Council of Lions (SFCCL) of meetings and social events. The PCL meets ten times a year which includes two joint meetings with the SFFCCL. The PCL’s main event is the Police and Fire Awards. The PCL reaches out to all departments for nominations for Valor, Service and Heroism. The PCL has been sponsoring this event since 1965.

Public Relations (Return to Top)

The Lions Club is constantly doing public outreach.

Scrapbook (Return to Top)

The Lions Club maintains a scrapbook of club events.

Social Events (Return to Top)

San Carlos Lions Club members schedule fun events for club members, prospective members. It is a San Carlos Lions Club tradition to hold social events on the 5th Thursday of any month with a 5th Thursday.

To support this effort, attend one of our social events. Check out the calendar for times, dates, and locations.