Blackstone Lions: Serving Blackstone Since 1959

Blackstone Lions: Over 65 Years of Service, Right Here at Home

The Blackstone Lions Club is one of those organizations that quietly powers much of what makes this small town feel like home. From providing eye care assistance and scholarships to sponsoring community events and supporting the public library, their reach is wide—and powered entirely by local volunteers.

The Lions Club is the world’s largest service organization, with more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. Globally, Lions Clubs are known for tackling big challenges—like fighting blindness, supporting disaster relief, mentoring youth, feeding the hungry, and aiding seniors and the disabled. Their motto says it all: “We Serve.”

In a town like Blackstone, having a group so committed to showing up and giving back year after year makes all the difference.

A Deep-Rooted Legacy in Blackstone

The Blackstone Lions was officially chartered in March 21, 1959, becoming part of District 33K, which today includes 47 clubs across Eastern Massachusetts. Across the state, Lions are organized into five districts—and the Blackstone Lions remain one of the most active and community-focused in the region.

From the very beginning, their efforts were rooted in compassion and community. One of their earliest and most meaningful traditions was delivering holiday food baskets to families in need—a heartfelt gesture they carried out for 30 consecutive years, from 1958 to 1988.

But perhaps no tradition was more distinctly Blackstone than the Polish Picnic. Held every year from the 1960s through the early 2000s, this vibrant event became the club’s signature fundraiser and a beloved community gathering. Lions members and their families spent days preparing traditional Polish meals, while a live Polish band played music for dancing throughout the park. The picnic regularly drew thousands of visitors from across the Blackstone Valley. Funds raised from the event helped sponsor local youth sports teams, support school programs, and offer assistance to families in need—making it both a celebration and a powerful engine of local good.

Their commitment extended beyond events. The club helped build lasting features still visible in town today—like the Pavilion in Roosevelt Park (built and dedicated in 1975 to charter member Leo Charlette), dugouts and bathrooms at Roosevelt Park, the pavilion at Turbesi Park, the concession stand at Goulet Park and a playground at JFK Elementary School.

And their passion for community wellness stems from a global mission. In 1925, Helen Keller famously challenged the Lions to become “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness.” That challenge shaped the identity of Lions Clubs around the world—and in Blackstone, it became a call to action. Over the years, the club has championed vision screenings in local schools, helped students in need of eyeglasses, and supported eye health programs that have impacted thousands of residents.

Community Support That Shows Up Everywhere

More than 65 years later, the Blackstone Lions Club is as active and committed as ever. Their approach has evolved, but their mission hasn’t changed. They’re a constant presence at community events, often in their signature maroon red shirts or jackets, lending a hand, raising funds, and helping behind the scenes.

You’ll spot them:

• Riding in a float at the Memorial Day Parade
• Collecting eyeglasses to help restore vision worldwide
• Hosting eye screenings for elementary students in Blackstone-Millville schools
• Supporting the annual Tag’s & Trout youth fishing derby
• Hosting pet supply drives for the Blackstone Animal Shelter
• Running food drives to stock the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry
• Hosting community favorites like the annual Duck Race
• Organizing vendor sign-ups and helping run the Blackstone Fall Festival
• Donating hats and mittens at winter craft fairs for students in need
• Handing out popcorn to kids at the Hometown Christmas celebration
• Sponsoring local youth teams
• Awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors
• Supporting ongoing eye health and research initiatives
• Offering help to veterans and seniors in the community

They also support eye health initiatives, including collecting used eyeglasses to help provide vision services globally. And in coordination with the Friends of the Blackstone Public Library, the Lions help sponsor museum passes to make activities more accessible to local families.

Whether they’re raising funds through bingo nights, raffles, comedy shows, vendor fairs, candy bar sales, or duck race tickets, every dollar goes back into the community. That’s the Lions difference—no overhead, just people power and purpose.

Rooted in History, Focused on the Future

The Blackstone Lions isn’t just a civic group—it’s a thread woven into the fabric of Blackstone itself. Their long-standing service was even recognized in the Blackstone Historical Museum in 2017, a fitting tribute to an organization that has shaped the heart of this town since 1959.

But what defines them isn’t just their legacy—it’s their presence.

You won’t find them seeking the spotlight. They’re not in it for recognition. They’re in it for the child who needs glasses, the family quietly struggling to put food on the table, the senior who needs new eyewear, the school that could use an extra boost, and the small-town spirit they proudly serve.

In a world that moves fast, the Lions still show up in the places that matter—quietly, consistently, and with heart. Whether it’s supporting the food insecure, awarding scholarships, or organizing a community event, they’re not just carrying on tradition—they’re actively building a better future, one act of service at a time.

You Can Be Part of It

The Lions are always looking for new members—people who care, who want to give back, and who are ready to serve.

Whether you have a few hours a month or a passion you’d like to share, the Blackstone Lions Club welcomes helping hands and big hearts. You’ll find not only purpose, but friendship.

Interested in making a difference with a great group of people?
👉 Visit Blackstone Lions Club online or email blackstonelions@gmail.com to get involved.

Meeting nights are every 1st Wednesday of the Month at Savini’s Pomodoro in Woonsocket.

For more than 65 years, the Blackstone Lions have lived the words We Serve—because when neighbors help neighbors, the whole community thrives.

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We reached out to the Blackstone Lions Club while preparing this story but did not receive a response. Still, their impact speaks volumes—and we’re proud to highlight it. At Small Town Post, we shine a light on the people and organizations that help define the spirit of Blackstone. From long-standing traditions to everyday acts of service, these are the people and organizations that shape our town. If you’re part of a local group—or know one—that deserves a spotlight, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us and let’s keep telling the stories that matter.