Good vision shapes how children learn, how seniors stay independent, and how families thrive.

But here in Blount County, many people are quietly facing vision challenges that affect everyday life.

This week, as part of our March Vision-First Awareness Campaign, the Maryville Lions Club is focusing on a simple truth:
When vision problems go undetected, the consequences reach far beyond eyesight.

This March, we are launching a Vision-First Awareness Campaign to shine a light on the real vision challenges facing our community and to invite others to be part of the solution.

Lions International will celebrate 80 years of partnership with the United Nations during Lions Day with the United Nations (LDUN) on March 19, 2026 in New York City. This event commemorates the long-standing relationship as a consultative NGO to the UN dating back to 1945, when Lion leaders were asked to help develop the NGO charter.

Since 1938, the Maryville Lions Club has been a pillar of support and service in Blount County. For over 80 years, this dedicated group of volunteers has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their community. Now, the club is taking a significant step forward by joining the Blount Partnership Chamber of Commerce.

The spirit of competition shines brightest when every participant is a winner. At the recent Blount County Parks and Recreation Special Olympics basketball tournament, members of the Maryville Lions Club witnessed this truth firsthand. The event brought together athletes of all abilities, including those using wheelchairs or facing other challenges, to showcase their skills and determination. Maryville Lions presenting medals Maryville Lions had the honor of handing out medals to every...

In 2026, the Maryville Lions Club is renewing its commitment to Blount County with a clear focus: Reengage. Communicate. Invite. Serve. After relaunching our website and Facebook presence, joining the Chamber, and increasing awareness of growing vision needs, we are building stronger partnerships and welcoming new members. Together, we will protect sight, strengthen community connections, and serve with renewed clarity and purpose.

Kindness shapes communities and brightens lives. The Maryville Lions Club invites everyone to join in celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 14 to 20, 2026. This week is a special reminder to make kindness a daily habit, not just a once-a-year event. By encouraging simple, thoughtful actions, Maryville Lions show how small gestures can create a ripple effect of goodwill.

Vision is one of the most important senses, yet many people in Blount County struggle with poor eyesight due to lack of access to proper eyewear. The Maryville Lions Club is working to change that by collecting used eyeglasses at several convenient locations throughout the county. This effort helps provide affordable vision care to residents who need it most.

Childhood cancer remains one of the most challenging health battles faced by families worldwide. Each year, thousands of children and their families confront the emotional and physical toll of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing this urgent need, the Maryville Lions have stepped forward to support children and families affected by childhood cancer.

If you’ve driven into Blount County on Route 411, 129, or 321, you’ve almost certainly seen them. The Lions Club signs. Or… maybe you haven’t — at least not consciously.

Like a favorite old landmark or a familiar mountain view, they’ve quietly blended into the background. But these signs have been standing watch for a long time, and they have a story worth noticing again.

The Maryville Lions Club recently honored two outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their community. These recipients of the "Look of the Leader" Awards exemplify dedication, service, and leadership through their work with the Lions and beyond.

Hunger remains a pressing issue in many communities, including Blount County. The Maryville Lions have taken a strong stand against food insecurity by participating in a recent food packing event that has already made a significant impact. Their efforts have resulted in the distribution of over 20 boxes of fortified pasta meals to local organizations serving those in need.

The Maryville Lions Club joined forces with other local service organizations and A Place to Stay to make a meaningful impact during the recent Street Outreach Service (SOS) Day. This quarterly gathering, held at New Providence Presbyterian Church, focuses on supporting the underprivileged members of the Blount County community.

On Tuesday, January 6th, five members of the Maryville Lions Club participated in an East TN District 12N Food Packing event. With 18 clubs and 81 Lions participating over 40,000 meals of pasta, soy additive and sauce were packaged and boxed for distribution to food pantries throughout East TN. This was all accomplished within a matter of less than 5 hours!

The Maryville Lions Club has long been a pillar of service and community spirit in Blount County. Their work touches many lives, from supporting vision health initiatives to partnering with local organizations to support the needs of the community. What truly fuels their efforts is the unwavering support from the Blount County community. This post explores how the Maryville Lions Club expresses its gratitude and highlights the meaningful ways this partnership benefits everyone involved.

The Maryville Lions Club extends heartfelt thanks to our friends and citizens of Blount County for their generous support during our recent pecan fundraiser. Your participation and enthusiasm have made a significant difference, allowing the club to continue its mission of serving the community’s needs.

At the recent Christmas party of the Maryville Lions Club, President Paulette Bailey presented a Melvin Jones Fellowship plaque and pin to member John Wills for his dedicated work in creating a new website for the club.   The club invites you to take a look at it and  subscribe - maryvillelions.org/subscribe

This year the Maryville Lions Club has screened 2,775 children from 1 year old to 8th grade partnering with the Maryville City School System and the Child Care Centers throughout Blount County. Maryville leads the Lions of East Tennessee District 12N with the most vision screenings performed this year. The Club is also among the top performing screeners in the state.

The Maryville Lions proudly announce the 2025 winners of the Look of the Leader Awards: Dr. Heather Ledbetter, Healthcare Coordinator for the Maryville City School System, and Lana Pettis, Banking Officer at CBBC Bank in Maryville.

On December 2nd, Lion Karen Fontaine received her 10-year service chevron recognizing her service to the Maryville Lions and the Blount County community. The chevron is to be worn hanging beneath an individual's Lion's pin which they receive when they join a club.