During World War II, local Vass businessmen saw a need to help support area families who were struggling to get by.

Many of the breadwinners were away in the service of their country, and the local economy offered little relief.

So on Feb. 16, 1943, the Vass Lions Club was chartered. The club was the brainchild of Aubrey Leon Keith (A.L. to the locals), who became the first charter member of the organization.

Keith owned a neighborhood hardware store, and knew firsthand of the need of many of the area residents. Since then, the Vass Lions have had a proud history of seeing to the welfare of those in need.

The Vass club will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Details of the celebration will be announced soon.

At a recent meeting, Past International President Sid Scruggs presented Aubrey Keith's son, Leon, with an award commemorating his 45 years of service to the Vass Lions.

Aubrey Keith's grandson, Terry Keith, and his granddaughter, Linda Tant, represent the third generation of Vass Lions, and Terry's daughters, Traci and Karen, have both served as president of the Leo Club, an auxiliary of the Lions, at Union Pines High School.

Thus the tradition of the Keith family in service to the community with the Vass Lions Club continues into the fourth generation.

"One suspects that A.L. would indeed be proud to see that his concern for others has grown into one of the area's oldest and most successful service organizations," says a spokesman.