Western Harnett Lions Club
About Us
International Lions Club History
The Lions Club was established in 1917 by Melvin Jones, a Chicago businessman. Following World War I, Jones recognized a need for stronger community support and brought together a group of prominent local business leaders to serve others and improve their communities. He believed in the power of service, famously stating,
“You can’t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.”
Today, Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world, with over 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries. The organization addresses needs at the local level while staying grounded in its core global causes: vision care, childhood cancer, diabetes awareness, hunger relief, and environmental sustainability.
To learn more about Lions International visit their website here.
To learn more about North Carolina Lions Foundation visit their website here.
Our Story
Western Harnett Lion's Club
Established in 1998, 20 members joined to serve their fellow man. At the present time, our roster has over 90 members. Men and women of all walks of life, from the ages of 19-mid 80's dedicate their free time towards local projects and fund raising to support our core values.
Our Core Values
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Vision
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Childhood Cancer
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Diabetes Awareness
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Hunger
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Environment
Vision
In 1920 Helen Keller challenged the club to support the blind in the area. We still are leading a helping hand to the visually impaired citizens. We are proud of our many projects aimed to aim.
"The Janice Williams Vision Screen Program"
A Trip to the Zoo
Fishing at the Outer Banks
Free Vision screenings to all students in the county elementary and middle schools. We anticipate to screen over 10,000 young people to be ensure their vision is clear. Referrals are made when required, to correct far/nearsightness, lazy eye syndrome, and astigmatism.
With help of the Vision Resource Center, of Fayetteville and the Broadway Zoological Park, we host a day full of memorable fun and laughter. The VIPS, (visially impaired People), are given a tour of the 96 acre park. Everyone is invited to hold a snake, pet a tortoise, feed a giraffe, and have exotic bird land of their head and shoulders.
A three-day event every October brings VIPs from the entire state, (400-500) gather to enjoy the art of fishery. Local hotels help out with the cost, and everyone leave with lifelong stories to tell.
This is one of the largest events for VIPS world wide!
Click here for more information.
Camp Dogwood
During the summer months, VIPs and Volunteers gather at the shore of Lake Norman for a week's worth of entertainment of fishing, boating, miniature golf, board games, crafts, great food, new friendship, and a dance. You can visit NC Lions Camp Dogwood – Summer Retreat Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired website for more information.
Eye Glass Recycling
Old, unused eyeglasses are collected in boxes placed at various locations throughout Western Harnett County (Carolina Lakes Clubhouse, Ophthalmologist Offices). The glasses are cleaned, repaired if necessary, and the prescriptions are read. They are then distributed to people in developing countries when missionary groups travel to those areas.
Childhood Cancer
This toxic disease plagues the most innocent of our culture. Thereby we have recently added childhood cancer to our core values. The state of North Carolina Lions leadership has raised $20,000 to purchase diversity equipment while the child is receiving a treatment, at Maynard Children's Hospital.
Diabetes Awareness
The WHLC has taken on the task of childhood diabetes. As Type I and II diabetes often leads to blindness in its victims, it makes sense to educate the public of this ever-growing disease. Within our own membership, we have two talented children that carry the burden of Type 1 diabetes. Sponsorships have been awarded or both kids go to diabetes camp during the summer for a week.
For more information please visit the Sweet Kids with Diabetes website here.
In order to send the children to diabetes camp, we collect dimes in empty plastic bottles known as "dimes for diabetes". The dimes are collected by members of our club at each meeting.
Hunger
The WHLC has been involved in fighting hunger since its inception. Many of our humanity projects are addressing the hunger issues in our backyard. We ask no questions and give to all who ask as we believe no child should go to bed hungry.
Five N Two
The Five N Two Food Pantry provides fresh produce, staple items, and meat to families in need every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In 2025, the organization made a meaningful impact by serving over 1,500 families with boxes of much-needed food.
​The WHLC supports these efforts by hosting an annual food drive each April at Carolina Lakes Community. In April 2025 alone, the club contributed over 2,000 pounds of food to help fight hunger in the local community.
Breadbasket
Located in Sanford, Lee County the WHLC have partnered with this non-profit soup kitchen for more than two decades. Open Monday-Friday 11:00am-12:30pm, the indigent popular are welcome to have a hot nutritious meal in a warm loving environment.
Buddy Backpack
Volunteers of WHLC assist with Buddy Backpacks of Harnett County. We pack over 500 bags every Friday and deliver the bags to elementary schools to feed elementary school children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend.
Grocery Give Away
A joint project with HAND-EE (Health and Nutritional Education) program to meet the need of those that are socially and economically challenged, twice a month.
Environment
The WHLC has taken the protection of our environment as our planet deserves the best care. Our environment is our home and we are committed to caring for it.
Adopt-A-Highway
Trash Pick-up on Buffalo Lakes Road in Sanford, NC
Our WH Lion Club conducts this service project as part of the NC Adopt-A-Highway Program which our club has participated in for over 20 years.
Pill Bottle Program
Empty pill bottles are collected in conjunction with Mattew 25 Ministries. These bottles are shipped to third world countries allowing doctors to give medication in sanitary containers, rather than a dirty hand.