Chubbuck Lions Club Receives International Recognition for Life-Saving Carbon Monoxide Awareness Project Published in the Idaho State Journal May, 2025
CHUBBUCK, IDAHO – Out of more than 6,000 Lions Clubs across the United States, the Chubbuck Lions Club has been honored as one of just six recipients of the prestigious Kindness Matters Service Award, presented by Lions Clubs International. This award celebrates exceptional service projects aligned with global cause areas including diabetes, hunger, vision, environment, and childhood cancer.
The Chubbuck Lions Club was recognized for its dedication to carbon monoxide poisoning awareness and prevention through its sponsorship of the Bill Parrish 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, held annually at Idaho State University in Pocatello. This two-day event draws between 80–100 teams in a bracketed, double-elimination format and raises approximately $20,000 each year. Proceeds support the NoCo Foundation, an initiative founded by club members to distribute carbon monoxide detectors to households in need. The NoCo Foundation website is cokills.org for more information and to request a detector.
“The Kindness Matters Service Award is a challenge for Lions and Leos to develop exceptionally innovative and creative service projects with the aim of leaving a positive impact in their communities,” said District Governor Lisa Allen. “When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing—and an incredible feeling for everyone involved.”
Founded in response to the tragic loss of Bill and Ross Parrish and two of their children due to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2014, the NoCo Foundation has since placed nearly 2,000 detectors in homes across eight U.S. states and Canada, regardless of residents’ ability to pay. The Foundation also conducts education campaigns in schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and service events to promote safety and save lives.
The project thrives through partnerships with local fire departments, First Alert, Idaho State University, Portneuf Medical Center, and major sponsors such as Toyota Regional Dealership, Idaho Central Credit Union, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and many local businesses.
Every July, the Chubbuck Lions Club saturates the community with awareness, participating in the 4th of July Parade, distributing over 500 t-shirts bearing the Lions logo, and leading a region-wide advertising campaign through newspapers, radio, TV, and social media.
“Visibility matters,” said Club Secretary Paula Turner. “Our vests, our signs, our voices—all of it helps build a safer, more informed community. We are honored to be recognized for this work and proud to carry on the legacy of our friends through service.”
For more information about the Chubbuck Lions Club or the NoCo Foundation, or to request a detector, you can contact Craig Parrish at 208 234 1234.
Rigby Lions Club Impacts Thousands Through Vision Screenings, Senior Support, and Youth Engagement Published in the Idaho State Journal May, 2025
Rigby, Idaho — The Rigby Lions Club continues its proud tradition of service with a wide range of impactful projects benefiting area students, seniors, and families. One of the club’s signature efforts is its annual vision screening program, which this year reached more than 14,000 students across 50 schools in Jefferson, Fremont, Sugar City, Madison, Idaho Falls, and Bonneville school districts.
“This initiative helps detect vision problems early so that children can succeed in school and in life,” said club President Sue Kenny. “We’re grateful for the strong partnerships we have with our local schools.”
In addition to youth-focused work, the Rigby Lions also dedicate time and care to the senior community. Members visit four assisted living facilities in Rigby year-round, bringing seasonal cheer with treats and gifts during Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas.
The club is also addressing health and safety needs through a carbon monoxide awareness initiative. With support from the NoCo Foundation, the Lions host presentations about carbon monoxide dangers and donate CO detectors to the Rigby Fire Department for distribution to residents in need.
One of the club’s most popular projects is its Passport Program at the Jefferson County Fair. Children collect stamps from local businesses in a fun, educational scavenger hunt. Everyone who participates, gets to spin the wheel for a prize. Those who complete all 25 stops earn a spin on the prize wheel and a shot at the grand prize drawing. Local businesses generously donate high-value prizes including bikes, scooters, hoverboards, and drones.
Looking ahead, the Rigby Lions will host a booth at Ririe Days on July 19, where they will promote the formation of a new Lions Club in Ririe, answer questions, and share how community members can get involved in service.
The Rigby Lions Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at the Rigby Senior Center. All are welcome to attend and learn more about joining this dynamic group of community leaders.
Preston Lions Club article published in the Idaho State Journal on March 7, 2025
Preston Lions Club: Continuing a Legacy of Service in Franklin County
Preston, Idaho – The Preston Lions Club, one of the oldest Lions Clubs in Idaho, has been proudly serving the community since 1936. With a strong commitment to vision care and community service, the club continues to make a lasting impact in Franklin County.
Since 1925, when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to be "Knights for the Blind," Lions Clubs International has been dedicated to improving vision worldwide. In Preston, one of the club’s key efforts includes eyeglass collection boxes, which allow community members to donate used glasses. These glasses provide life-changing vision assistance both locally and globally.
Annual Community Events & Fundraisers
The Preston Lions Club is known for its dedication to the community through various events, including: Preston City Downtown Trick-or-Treat Night – In partnership with the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, the club helps organize and promote this beloved Halloween event, ensuring a safe and festive atmosphere for families, friends, and local businesses. Preston Night Rodeo Fundraiser – Each year, the Lions operate their famous hamburger stand at the Preston Night Rodeo, raising funds to support local service projects and community initiatives. Night for Sight Golf Tournament – A unique glow-in-the-dark golf event, where proceeds directly benefit Envision Sight in Boise and Lions Club International's sight programs. These funds help provide essential vision care for those in need, prioritizing support for Idaho residents.
Commitment to Local Vision Care
Beyond fundraising, the Preston Lions Club plays a crucial role in vision screening for all elementary and middle school children in Franklin County. These screenings help detect potential vision issues early, ensuring that local children have access to the care they need to succeed.
Join the Preston Lions Club!
The Preston Lions Club is looking for community-minded individuals who want to make a difference in Franklin County. Whether by joining the club, volunteering for an event, or supporting fundraising efforts, everyone can play a part in strengthening the community.
“If the Lions Club goes away, so does the $120,000 we have invested in Franklin County over the past seven years,” said Neal Jorgensen, Club Spokesperson. “I love the opportunities the Preston Lions Club has given me, and the friends I have gained in both the Lions and the community. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Get Involved! Join us at a meeting! 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month 7 PM
Larsen Library
Stop by for a meal, fellowship, and an opportunity to learn more about the Preston Lions Club and how you can get involved.
About Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization, with over 1.4 million members in 200+ countries. Since 1917, Lions have been actively serving their communities, focusing on vision, hunger relief, disaster response, and youth programs.
Dubois Lions Club
The club assisted, maybe did most of the work for this sign!!!!
Meridian Lions
Packing goody bags for their golf tournament
Mt Home Lions
The Lions did some highway clean up this afternoon!! It was a long and hot afternoon but feels good to have done our part in keeping the side of the road cleaned up! 
So thankful for all the hard working Lions who stepped up and helped with this great service project! 
Boise Bench Lions
We love to do Vision and Hearing Screenings, here are most of the members who have volunteered for this project!!!
Annual Sidewalk Sale in September was an excellent fund raiser.
Weiser Lions Club
The Weiser Lions staff the concession booth at Weiser High School football games.
Rigby Lions
And here we are at Ucon Elementary! We screened 394 students! A little bit crazy! A very special thank you to Lion Bonnie Stoddard who volunteered today and our super friend Krystal Van Lauven! And of course Patricia Lyn Scott, James Paul Kenny and Suzanne Haroldsen Kenny. And Mr. Smiley had a rough day!
Thanks to all the teachers and staff!
