About the Hopkins Lions



We are ordinary individuals committed to extraordinary acts of service, united by a shared dedication to making a meaningful difference in our community every day.

Who We Are

The Hopkins Lions Club is a service club based out of Hopkins, MN. We are a member of Lions Clubs International, one of the largest and oldest service organizations in the world. 

Simply put, we are a group of regular citizens, from all ages and walks of life, with a common mission of serving our local community and helping those in need. We lead a variety of service projects, volunteer activities, and fundraisers, while having fun and making friends along the way.

What Do We Do

We live by the Lions' motto of "We Serve". That's what we do.

We lead several service projects and fundraisers. All the money we raise goes towards local causes and charities that we have relationships with.

Some of our recent efforts:

  • Collecting food for the local food shelf
  • Collecting used hearing aids and glasses that get sent to developing countries
  • Adopting a section of the heavily-trafficked Hightway 169 and keeping it clean
  • Collecting plastic and upcycling it into benches that are installed throughout the community
  • Bell rining for the Salvation Army during the holiday season
  • Selling raspberry sundaes during the Hopkins Raspberry Festival as a way to fundraise for local causes
  • And many more...
Our History

The Hopkins Lions club started in November, 1938. We are now the longest serving club in District 5M5, which is all of Hennepin County!

John Lutter, one of our long-time members who passed away in 2002, served as an international director of Lions Clubs International. In his honor, our district now gives out an award annually in his name. It's the highest award a Lion can win in our District.

 
In 1943, the Hopkins Lions raised $8,000 to purchase and construct 76 feet of sandy beach shoreline at Shady Oak Beach Park. The park was dedicated to the city on September 26,1950. 
 
In 1971, 61 Hopkins Lions Club members funded and built the picnic shelter at Shady Oak Beach.
 
Plaque at Shady Oak Beach Park
The club has purchased equipment for the police and fire departments, and awarded scholarships to local high school seniors for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Who is eligible to join the Hopkins Lions?
Answer: Anyone! Regardless of whether you live in Hopkins or not, and regardless of your background, skill, or income.

Question: Are you affiliated with a church or religious organization?
Answer: The Hopkins Lions is a civic service club and we are not affiliated with any religious or political organization. We are a member of Lions Clubs International, which you can learn more about by going to this link.

Question: Are there any financial expectations or commitments?
Answer: Members are mostly expected to volunteer their time. Membership in the club does include a small annual fee to cover some of our administrative overhead.

Question: What time commitment is expected out of members?
Answer: Members get involved to various degrees, depending on their availability. We meet once a month and organize various projects throughout the calendar year.

Question: How do I join?
Answer: Visit our Join page or contact us for more information.