FAQ
When/Where are meetings?
Business meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:29pm in the Celebration Hall at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5600 Old Washington Road, Sykesville, MD 21784. Anyone interested in learning about the Freedom District Lions Club or who wishes to join is welcome to come. See our Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.
What do you do at business meetings and what should I wear?
Business meetings are a time for both fellowship and to discuss the current events and reports of the club. Typically meetings start with a meal, followed by a speaker or presenter, committee reports and announcements. The cost of dinner varies depending on the caterer, and an RSVP to the Club Secretary a few days ahead is required for the meal (but not to attend the meeting). Dress is casual.
How much does it cost to be a Lions Club member?
There’s a one-time $35 new member fee. Dues are approximately $23 per quarter, with a discount for additional family members and former high school Leos. Dues fund the equipment used for all our amazing projects, as well as Lions International for programs such as disaster support. See our New Member page for details.
What are the requirements to participate?
Any individual 18 or older who would like to serve the community is welcome! Members are asked to support at least two service projects and two fundraisers, serve on at least one committee, and attend at least two business meetings each year. Many Lions do much more, serving on multiple committees and helping with lots of projects. There’s a fit for everyone! Ready to join? Visit our Join page.
How do I order Lions Club apparel?
Clothing orders can be placed here: https://merch.captjerrys.com/fdlionsclubapparel
Can I borrow medical equipment?
Yes. If you live in the Freedom area (Sykesville / Eldersburg), we lend hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, knee walkers, rollators, transport chairs, commodes, shower chairs and benches, crutches and canes free of charge, for as long as you need them. Call our hotline at 410-549-LION (5466), press 1 for medical equipment, and leave your name, phone number, location and the item(s) you need. A Lion member will contact you, usually within a day. All we ask is that you return the equipment when you no longer need it. Learn more.
Can I donate used medical equipment?
We sure do! The club gratefully accepts donated medical equipment so we can lend it to neighbors in need. Just call 410-549-LION (5466), select option 1 (Medical Equipment), and leave a message letting us know what you’d like to donate. It’s the same way you’d borrow or return equipment. Please don’t use the website contact form for medical equipment requests.
Where can I drop off used eyeglasses and hearing aids?
You can drop off used eyeglasses and hearing aids in our Lions collection boxes at these Eldersburg and Sykesville locations:
- Walmart, Eldersburg
- Center for Total Eye Care, Eldersburg
- My Eye Dr., Eldersburg
- Opti Care, Eldersburg
- Eldersburg Branch of the Carroll County Public Library
- Fairhaven, Sykesville
- Wesley Freedom UM Church, Eldersburg
The glasses and hearing aids are recycled and given to people in need around the world. Learn more on our Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids page.
Does the club offer scholarships?
Yes! See our Scholarships page for details, including how and when to apply.
Are there opportunities for young people?
Yes. We sponsor Leo Clubs at Century High School and Liberty High School, open to students in grades 9 through 12. Leos lead and support community service projects of their own choosing. Learn more about our Leo Clubs and our Youth Outreach Committee.
How can I find upcoming events or volunteer?
Check our Calendar for upcoming service projects, cleanups, the Walking Club, Snack Shack shifts and other events. To get involved, come to a business meeting or reach out through the contact form at the bottom of this page.
What is the Snack Shack?
On Saturdays during the fall soccer season, Lions run the Soccer Snack Shack at Freedom Park, by Soccer Fields 7 and 8, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks to soccer families and the community. It supports our service projects and Freedom Optimist Soccer. Stop by and say hello! See our Fundraising page for more.
How can I donate to the Lions?
Donations can be mailed to Freedom District Lions Club, Inc., 1363 Progress Way #1663, Sykesville MD 21784. Checks made out to the Freedom District Lions Club Foundation are tax deductible. Every dollar we raise from the public goes back into the community. Learn more.