When Ray Robins witnessed the Holt Lions Club hand a $750 check to a family whose home had been damaged by fire—no strings attached, no lengthy application process, just immediate help when it was needed most—he experienced what Lions Club members call an “aha moment.” That instant when the purpose of service becomes crystal clear.
“They needed assistance. They needed it now,” Robins recalls of that pivotal experience. “It was one of the moments that I, myself personally, became more involved as a Lion, because I saw what it did to help somebody else.”
For over 55 years, the Holt Lions Club has been quietly making these moments happen throughout the community. As part of Lions Clubs International—the world’s largest service organization with 1.4 million members across 48,000 clubs in over 207 countries—the Holt chapter maintains the organization’s global mission while addressing uniquely local needs.
A Foundation Built on Service
Founded in 1968, the Holt Lions Club operates on a distinctive philosophy that sets it apart from other fundraising organizations. Every dollar collected from the public goes directly to service projects, while administrative costs are covered entirely by member contributions and specific work activities.
“When you see a Lions Club member on any street corner with their little white canes and buckets collecting money, that money goes into a project fund,” Robins explains. “One hundred percent is supposed to be provided and sent back through projects to the needy in some fashion or other.”
This commitment to transparency has enabled the club to support an impressive range of community initiatives over the decades. From providing eyeglasses and hearing aids to supporting the Holt Community Food Bank, the Lions have consistently identified and addressed gaps in community services.
Stewart Goodrich, one of the club’s founding members, remains active after 55 years of service, embodying the organization’s dedication to long-term community investment. His mentorship has shaped newer members like Robins, creating a continuous cycle of service that spans generations.
Making a Local Difference
The Holt Lions Club’s impact extends far beyond traditional charitable giving. When the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department needed a specialized motorcycle for community policing but couldn’t secure county funding, the Lions stepped in with hundreds of dollars for a new bike. When detectives needed software to help create suspect sketches while witness memories were fresh, the club provided that too.
“A witness might not remember everything two days from now,” Robins notes. “But if it’s fresh in their mind, detectives were trained in the use of this and would take it out with them when interviewing witnesses.”
Perhaps no project better illustrates the Lions’ commitment to youth development than their support of the Holt High School robotics team, Robo-Rant. After watching team presentations and learning about their needs, the club provided $8,000 for a new trailer to safely transport equipment to competitions.
“The thing they needed most was a new trailer because the one that they use to haul around their equipment was old, the leaf springs were broken,” Robins explains. “If they weren’t careful, lots of equipment could be damaged bouncing around when they’re going to places.”
Global Vision, Local Action
While focused on community needs, the Holt Lions Club has also participated in international service missions. Between 2002 and 2012, the club conducted five eyeglass missions to Latvia—the only Lions club to establish such a program there. These missions provided over 1,200 pairs of prescription eyeglasses annually to residents of the formerly Soviet-controlled nation.
The missions were made possible through a unique connection: one club member’s spouse was a native of Latvia who had fled as a child during World War II. Her family’s property and personal knowledge of local conditions enabled the club to establish relationships with Latvian healthcare providers and ensure glasses reached those most in need.
“Every year, except for the very last year, we provided over 1,100 or 1,200 and sometimes 1,600 pairs of eyeglasses for people that were determined to need eyeglasses,” Robins recalls of the missions. “It was very successful. I went on the last one and it is one of these lifelong experiences I will never forget.”
The missions concluded as Latvia’s healthcare system developed and began providing comprehensive eye care for all residents, demonstrating the ultimate goal of any successful service project: working oneself out of business.
Recognizing Future Leaders
Since the late 1980s, the Holt Lions Club has honored high school athletes who demonstrate exceptional character and community service through its Scholar Athlete Award program. The recognition program culminates in an annual banquet where the club’s “Lion of the Year” award is presented to one student on each varsity sport who best embodies the values of service and leadership.
“It’s my favorite meeting of the year,” Robins admits. “We hear all the stories of what these kids do. These are good kids who do things to help their school, help their community, help their teams.”
The program reflects the club’s understanding that community service isn’t just about addressing immediate needs—it’s about inspiring the next generation to carry forward the tradition of service.
A Living Legacy
Today, the Holt Lions Club continues meeting monthly, combining social connection with community service planning. Their programs showcase speakers from various local organizations, maintaining awareness of emerging community needs and opportunities for service.
From their founding philosophy of giving every public dollar to those in need, to their innovative partnerships with local government and organizations, the Holt Lions Club represents a model of sustained community engagement that has adapted to changing times while maintaining core values of service.
For community members interested in supporting or joining the Lions’ efforts, the club demonstrates that meaningful change happens through consistent, coordinated action. Whether responding to immediate crises with emergency assistance or investing in long-term projects that strengthen community infrastructure, the Holt Lions Club embodies the principle that service to others is the foundation of strong communities.
As Robins reflects on his years of Lions service, the impact is clear: “We can care a lot. We can make an influence. You can make a difference in literally an individual’s life and in the community as a whole.”
The Holt Lions Club meets the first Thursday of every month (except July) at the Delhi Cafe, located at 4625 Willoughby Road in Holt. Meetings begin at 6:00 PM with dinner served at 6:30 PM, followed by regular club business and often featuring programs of special interest to the community. The public is welcome to attend these meetings to learn more about the club’s activities and service opportunities.
For more information about the Holt Lions Club, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Community members interested in service opportunities or membership are encouraged to attend a meeting or reach out through these channels.