The Lions Club of Oxford, Alabama, formally received its charter and swore in its more than 30 charter members during a special ceremony held at Spring Street Station on Thursday, October 7, 2025.
The Lions Club is a service organization, best known for its work in providing good vision health, also works to improve health and well-being by strengthening communities and helping those in need.
The new club, whose charter became effective September 11, 2025, was sponsored for its charter by the Anniston Lions Club, which has been active for more than 70 years.
“This is a tremendous honor,” said Don Elliott, Lions Club 2nd Vice District Governor, who will serve as the new club’s first president. “The date our charter became effective is a fitting date to be called to go out and serve people.”
Elliott said the club has already helped to provide hundreds of readers and sunglasses for those in need in the Caribbean; raised $750 during its time at Oxfordfest; and has acquired $5,000 from the city to help with organizing the fishing rodeo at Oxford Lake next summer.
“In just three weeks, we have raised money, started an international eyeglass program, and got funding to run a fishing camp for kids this summer,” Elliott said.
The tradition of cutting the cake was done by the oldest and youngest Lions in attendance: Dennis Dunn of the Anniston club and Jadon Davis, a charter member of the Oxford Club.
Lions Club council chair Tracy Thompson was on hand to swear in the new charter members.
“What we are here to celebrate is the continuation and enhancement of service in the Oxford area,” Thompson said. “We now have 30 more pairs of hands to serve in the Oxford area. That’s what we are all about. We serve, and what this means is more service. It means more food for those who are hungry. More eye exams for those who can’t afford market prices or can’t travel to a location where they can be served or have more affordable options. It also means a disaster response that can be set up within 24 hours. It also means a cash infusion into other charitable organizations in the community. It means all these things and a lot more for the community. It’s about the service and the lives you touch.”
The new charter members were sworn in, then, using special charter member pens, each was given and signed the charter of the new Lions Club of Oxford, Alabama.
“As an individual, there is very little you can do. You might buy somebody one meal, or you might take someone to a doctor’s appointment,” Elliott said. “But together, we are unlimited.”