Spotlight on Service: Smithfield Lions Club

At Local70, we believe that strong communities are built by the people and organizations that uplift those around them. In this series, we’re proud to showcase the incredible groups making a lasting impact in Johnston County. To kick things off, we’re featuring the Smithfield Lions Club, an organization that has been serving the community with dedication and compassion for over 70 years.

A Legacy of Service

Since 1950, the Smithfield Lions Club has been a pillar of community service in Johnston County. As part of Lions Clubs International, the club is dedicated to improving lives through vision and hearing programs, scholarships, and community support.

Meet the President: Jana Peedin

Jana Peedin, a member since 1994 and past District Governor (2014-2015), has received numerous honors for her leadership. She and her husband, Keith Peedin, are deeply committed to the Lions’ mission.

What inspired you to join the Lions Club?

“My ‘aha’ moment came at the North Carolina Lions’ fishing tournament for the visually impaired. Seeing 470 blind participants experience joy, dance, and connect was life-changing. That night, I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger.”

The Club’s Impact Over the Years

"Our club was chartered in Smithfield in 1950 and ver the years, we’ve accomplished some incredible milestones, including:"

Community Ambulance Service: Established the first private, free 24-hour ambulance service in Smithfield.
Red Cross Blood Bank: Funded the startup costs to establish a countywide blood bank.
Community Parks: Developed two local parks with covered picnic areas.
Eye Wills Program: Pioneered an organ and eye donation initiative that became a forerunner to DonateNC.
Lions Cottage at Boys and Girls Home: Helped establish and continue to support a home at Lake Waccamaw.

Adapting to Smithfield’s Evolving Needs

Vision remains a cornerstone of the Lions' mission. Locally, the club sponsors visually impaired individuals (18+) to attend the Lake Norman Camp for the Visually Impaired. They also provide essentials like suitcases for their journey, ensuring a seamless experience.

Can you describe a recent project or event that made a significant impact locally?

"The Crayon Initiative is a wonderful nonprofit organization based in California that repurposes used crayons to bring joy to pediatric cancer patients. Old and broken crayons are collected, sorted by color, melted down, and poured into molds. These molds create crayons with three flat sides, ensuring they won’t roll off tables. The newly crafted crayons are then packaged into shiny new boxes and sent to children’s hospitals across the country—completely free of charge.

Locally, we embraced this initiative by setting up a collection point at our local library. At the end of the school year, teachers in our area often discard their old crayons to prepare for the new academic year, so we reached out to our teacher friends and invited them to drop off their used crayons. The response was incredible! This simple effort turned what would have been waste into something meaningful, bringing smiles to children and supporting a fantastic cause."

Why Join the Lions Club?

“It’s family-friendly—kids are welcome at meetings and events! The projects are hands-on but manageable, and once you get involved, you’ll see the real impact you can make in your community.”

Goals & Projects for the Upcoming Year

Pediatric Cancer: Continuing support for The Crayon Initiative.
Hunger Relief: Partnering with grocery stores to support the Clayton Food Bank.
Environmental Initiatives: Planting a tree in downtown Smithfield and participating in a reforestation program.
Vision Support: Offering free eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids while collecting used eyewear for global redistribution.
Youth Programs: Enhancing Lions Cabin activities and supporting local schools.
Community Engagement: Hosting a booth at the Ham & Yam Festival to promote Lions Club services and raise funds.

Additionally, while participation in the NC Alliance voucher program is temporarily suspended due to high demand, the Johnston County Public Health provider remains a referral resource for those in need. The club also maintains eyeglass donation boxes around Smithfield, ensuring gently used glasses are repurposed for those who need them most.

Through these meaningful initiatives, the Smithfield Lions Club continues to create a lasting impact, strengthening the community and improving lives. Their dedication to service embodies the true spirit of giving, ensuring that Smithfield and beyond benefit from their efforts for years to come.

To learn more about their mission and how you can get involved, visit the Smithfield Lions Club website.