Making history every day
With every project completed and each person served, we make history. We’ve been around for over 87 years, yet our story is still in the making. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s being written by helping hands of our partners, by our committed members, by donations being made and by lives being improved in Maryville and all Blount County.
The Lions Motto is WE SERVE!
The Lions Mission Statement is Empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding.
1938: The Beginning
The Maryville Lions Club was established on March 21, 1938, by twenty-one prominent businessmen of Blount County. Their objective, which remains our objective today, was to provide aid to the underprivileged in an effort to improve their quality of life.
More than three-quarters of a century later, we continue this effort by addressing the needs of those who cannot afford it, with a focus on sight preservation.
1996: J.V. Britton Initiates Vision Screening
In 1996 J.V. Britton, Jr. launched the Maryville Lions into vision screening with a passion for children and in partnership with Vanderbilt Hospital. J.V. personally screened thousands of children, and established the foundation for how the Lions serves our community today. In recognition of his contribution to the community, J.V. was awarded the 2014 Spirit of Good Neighbors Award and in 2016 the club received a banner patch achieving the milestone of 20 years of vision screening.
2008: TN State Proclamation
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At their 70th Anniversary celebration, the Maryville Lions Club received a TN State Proclamation and a $2,000 check thanking the club for their service to the Blount County Community.
The Proclamation and check were presented by then Senator Raymond Finney whose name was actually on the proclamation.
2017: Memorial Bench
The Maryville Lions honored the passing of two long-time Lions, Dan Sims and Ralph Hall by dedicating a park bench in their memory located along the Maryville Greenway near the Library.
Several family members of the deceased were in attendance at the bench dedication.
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2021: Care Packages during COVID
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During COVID the Maryville Lions Club wanted to do something for those who were basically in lock down mode at the various Blount County Assisted Living/Nursing Home Centers. After talking to the nurses/caretakers at the centers we were able to put together over 800 bags containing items such as hand sanitizer, eyeglass cloths, hand lotion, tissues, etc. We then attached a little note card saying "Thinking of you" with our club name and the Lions Logo. We were only able to leave the boxes of care packages at the door and then the nurses and caretakers delivered them to the residents.
2021: John Sevier All-Inclusive Playground
The Maryville Lions Club was instrumental in building the John Sevier All-Inclusive Playground thanks to a matching grant from Lions International and some very generous community donations.
Working in partnership with the City of Maryville, Parks & Recreation, and The Arc, we were able to build a playground where children of all abilities are able to play together in a safe environment.