OUR HISTORY

The Wheeling Lions Club was organized on January 6, 1922, and chartered by Lions International on January 18, 1922.  The Wheeling Lions Club is the second oldest club in Multiple District 29 and the oldest club in District 29-L.

It has also had the privilege and honor of sponsoring the formation and organization of Lions Clubs in  Elm Grove, Follansbee, McMechen, Moundsville, Valley Grove, Warwood, Wellsburg, and South Wheeling.

During the 100+ years of its existence, the Wheeling Lions Club has been increasingly recognized as an essential service club in the community.  The Wheeling Lions was the first club to collect “old gold” eyeglass frames and use the proceeds from the frames for its sight programs. We continue to recycle used eyeglasses with over 4000 collected each year.  We have donated testing and other sight-related equipment to Ohio County Schools and West Virginia Northern Community College and supply eye exams and glasses to approximately 300 people yearly in the community. We also provide hearing exams and devices to those in need.

We were the first service organization in Wheeling to ring the bells and participate in the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle drive. We continue this service as well as Christmas Stockings for the Salvation Army, Easter Seals “Cookie Caper”, Feed the Hungry program at St. Luke’s, Laughlin Chapel after-school program, Heritage Trail clean-up, and eye equipment for WVU Children’s Hospital.

For many years the club sponsored a West Virginia/Ohio All-Star Basketball Game as a fundraising project. Our current fundraisers include a Spaghetti Dinner, Steak-Fry, Golf Scramble, Reverse Raffle, and more.

For many years the Wheeling Lions honored law enforcement officers with a testimonial dinner.  Today, we honor the school nurses in Ohio County with a luncheon and gift of appreciation; the Peace Poster Contest winners with a luncheon, savings bond, and plaque; and the Eye Glass recycling sites with a luncheon and certificate. 

Our officers and members serve the City of Wheeling and the surrounding Ohio County Community.  We continue to define the motto “WE SERVE” through our time, talents, and gifts.

     Lion Charles H. Watkins was instrumental in organizing the Wheeling Lions Club.  He was also chosen as our first president. 

    The Wheeling Lions Club has been honored with the selection of one International Director and nine District Governors from our membership.  

We have also been honored with the dedication of many Presidents leading our club.