Chartered in 1928, the Del Rio Host Lions Club is one of the oldest and largest of the more than 46,000 clubs that constitute the International Association of Lions Clubs. The International Association of Lions Clubs was formed in 1917 with the motto, “We Serve,” and currently has over 1.3 million members in 202 countries, representing every continent and region of the world, except Antarctica.  The International Association of Lions Clubs is the largest service organization in the world.

Each of the 46,000 individual Lions Clubs serve their local communities, meeting the special needs of the people in their area.  Through the International Association of Lions Clubs, these 46,000 clubs are a major contributor in sight research and prevention of blindness worldwide.  Each year Lions provide funding for sight research, prevention of blindness and services to the blind.  Lions are also actively involved in treatments for diabetes and research for a cure.  Lions also respond to natural disasters.  A full list of programs and services provided by Lions literally fills volumes.

The Del Rio Host Lions Club provides eyeglasses and hearing aids for low-income school-age children, site screening, and diabetes awareness programs for the local community.  Lions of Del Rio provide funding to support the Texas Lions Camp for Disabled Children, the Lions Low Vision Research Center at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, and the Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree.  Two college scholarships are awarded by the Del Rio Host Lions Club to area students each year.

The Del Rio Host Lions Club has 139 members.  Membership is a vast cross section of men and women who have come together to serve.  The general membership meeting is held every Thursday from 12 noon to 1:00 PM at the Ramada Inn in Del Rio.  The Board of Directors’ regularly scheduled meeting is the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Lions Hut on Fox Drive.