Twin City Lions Club celebrates 95 years of service
During a celebration on Wednesday, March 22, Mayor Allen Joines presented Alvin Atkinson, president of the local Lions Club, with a proclamation honoring the service group for their work in the community.
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
March 22 turned into Twin City Lions Club day in Winston-Salem.
On that day, the local chapter of the largest international service organization celebrated its 95th anniversary. Mayor Allen Joines presented the organization with a proclamation to mark the day and celebrate the good works of the state’s first chapter, started in 1922.
Before reading the proclamation, Joines said that while the city and others across the country have seen a decline in civic programs and volunteerism in recent years, it is energizing to know that the Lions Club is still helping those in need here in Winston-Salem.
“It’s so refreshing to me to know that there is an organization that has been around for 95 years and still going strong,” said Joines. “We care a lot about our citizens. We are a compassionate city but it takes organizations such as the Lion’s to help carry out our duties.”
The Winston-Salem Twin City Lions Club founded and organized the city’s Industries For the Blind (now IFB Solutions). Since 1998 the club has raised more than $170,000 for the blind and visually impaired in Forsyth County with their annual golf tournament. The Lion’s also supports the continuous development of youth in the community through programs like Leo Club and Lions Quest.
“This is a special day in the life of our club and the life of our community,” said chapter president Alvin Atkinson. “We are proud to be a part of Winston-Salem, and we love being of service because that is what the Lions Club is all about. Where there is a need, we serve and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.”
