GI Lions thank community

Grand Island Dispatch, November 24, 2006
By Tom Witkowski
Sight Chair, Island Lions Club

Lion Fred Roucco has his tail tugged by a mischievous loyal Lion tot.

The count is in: The second annual Grand Island Lions Sight Night was a tremendous success!

More than 1,100 individuals we share the planet with will benefit from the contributions the local communities have made to the kids who went trick-or-treating on Halloween night and who also collected eyeglasses and hearing aids from their family, friends and neighbors. With a late donation of 89 glasses from the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post, 1,145 used eyeglasses are on their way to one of two Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers located in New Jersey and Indiana. They will be repaired, cleaned, and checked for their unique prescription and fit. From there they will be shipped wherever they are needed around the world to help those who cannot afford them.

Through donations to and grants from Lions International, the cost of processing used eyeglasses is just six cents, but priceless to the individuals who receive them. In just two Halloweens, the total eyeglasses collected amount to over 2,000 eyeglasses since Sight Night began on the Island. Nineteen hearing aids were also collected and are now at the Finger Lakes Hearing Foundation in Victor. They also will be refurbished, if possible, and made available for a minimal charge picked up by Lions Clubs and shared with individuals who need them but who are financially challenged.

Of particular note, Cheyenne Covey of Tonawanda showed up with her mom, Alicia, and stepdad, Bill Litto, with two shopping carts filled with 923 of the total, plus 13 of the hearing aids. Her collection also included 375 lenses and 19 hearing aid batteries. This is Cheyenne’s second year in collecting. She has been previously honored for her outstanding efforts. Next year will see her entire Girl Scout troop involved in Sight Night. Lions International and Boy and Girl Scouts have a relationship that recognizes and honors community projects such as Sight Night. We look forward to their participation.

Our thanks and appreciation also go to Patti Bianco, Grand Island Tops manager, who enthusiastically supported this project by providing the playground and refreshments for all who came. Grand Island Lions Sheila Ferrentino, Paul Bassette, Fred Ruocco, also played a part in Sight Night activities. Our biggest thanks go the residents of Grand Island and the Tonawandas who willingly gave of their hearts the eyeglasses that may have been expensive or that dressed the face of a dear departed family member; the reasons are numerous. But without their kindness, people around the world would lose a precious commodity: the gift of sight.

Thank you from the Grand Island Lions Club!