Chartered in 1937, the Keene Lions Club has been serving the needs of the less fortunate in the Monadnock Region for 65 years. The Keene Lions Club has adopted Eyesight preservation as the primary focus of our charitable giving. Although the club supports many charities and assists community organizations in many ways, Eyesight receives most of the club's effort and resources. Eyesight assistance takes many forms from cataract surgery for the elderly to eyeglasses for youngsters whose families cannot afford the prescription glasses themselves. The club regularly purchases expensive reading aides that help people with limited vision continue to function and lead active, productive lives. The less privileged are referred to the club by social service organizations and physicians. Each request is carefully considered,and if approved, funds are quietly made available directly to the recipient's physician or health care organization. In addition to eyesight causes, the Keene Lions have been responsible for spearheading community projects. New lighting, for example, at Keene High School's Alumni Field, Ashuelot River Park and The Keene Skate Park came about through the Keene Lion's efforts. Playground equipment installed at Keene's Robin Hood Park, June 2001. Today the entire community benefits. Likewise, the club was responsible for the installation of swimming pools at both Robin Hood Park and Wheelock Park. And in 2001, $15,000 worth of playground equipment was donated for installation at Robin Hood Park. The club takes responsibility for a stretch of highway leading into the city, and schedules regular clean-up days. The Keene Lions Club also collects used eyeglasses and recycles them into service for the needy. Keene Lions have also helped to provide defribulators and defribulator training devices to area rescue units and the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Lion's funds also go to support underprivileged children through scholarships for area youth to attend summer camps.
