Elgin Lions Club turns 90

One of the world's oldest Lions Clubs turns 90 this year, with a celebration set for Saturday.

Elgin Lions started their own club in 1921, just four years after the first club launched in Chicago. Ever since Helen Keller charged the Lions with being the “knights of the blind,” members have worked to make sure people who need glasses have them.

The Elgin club has worked extensively within Elgin Area School District U-46 to get eye tests for students and prescription glasses.

“If a kid can't see very well, he can't learn very well. That's our idea,” said Jim Beam, who, at 30 years is one of the longest-serving Lions in the Elgin club.

The eyeglasses campaign is the major project the Lions have taken on, reaching out to people of all ages in the community who need help. The group raises money in various fundraisers throughout the year like Candy Day, Rose Day and a more recent collaboration with the South Elgin Lions Club for a golf outing. All of that money stays in the community to help people who have vision impairment.

Since the Elgin Lions Club first opened its doors, it has been home to prominent Elginites and district governors who have served the broader Lions International organization. The club has seen membership rise and fall over the years, first with strictly men and later with some women as the group dropped its gender restriction.

Mary Merrell served as the club's first female president in 2007.

At one time the club boasted more than 100 members. President Ed Bates said the Elgin club today is strong, with 28 members, but always looking for more to join.

Bates joined his first Lions Club in the 1970s in Indianapolis and became a member of the Elgin club in 2004. In his first year as president he helped launch a food collection program in local elementary schools. Lions regularly collect the food and take it to the Crisis Center or the Salvation Army.

Bates, now serving his third year as president, said the plan moving forward is to continue growing the membership of the club and reaching out to collaborate with other area Lions.

“As with anything, the more members we have the more we can service the community,” Bates said.

The anniversary celebration is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. There will be a couple of short speeches, including one from a representative of the Chicago club, as well as music, appetizers and a cash bar. Cost is $10 and people should call Merrell at (847) 899-8293 to RSVP.