Gordonsville Lions are happy to help

By Hannah Wever
Review Staff Writer
Published: June 19, 2008

The efforts of a civic group in Gordonsville are giving the world a better outlook.
The 22-or-so members of the Gordonsville Lions Club devote hundreds hours of volunteer time each year to helping the blind and visually impaired throughout the world.
And closer to home, the Lions help community members in Orange County access the medical help they need to obtain glasses and hearing aids.
The Gordonsville Lions Club is the local link to an international community service organization. The Lions have been around for decades, demonstrating their commitment to sight through fundraising and outreach.
Gordonsville Lion Bernard Martin explained the process by which his organization provides for the visually impaired and for others in need.
“The main goal and function of the Lions Club is to serve the community. We do that by recycling old and used eyeglasses and lenses,” Martin said.
Once Lions collect pre-owned glasses from drop centers around the area, they are delivered to one of four recycling centers in Virginia, he added.
“There, Lions Club volunteers check those lenses and check the prescription,” Martin said.
Once the prescription of each lens has been determined and eyeglasses have been approved for re-use, Lions send them off to destinations around the world. Martin said the eyeglasses are distributed most frequently in third-world or underdeveloped countries, to individuals who need corrective eyewear but have no access to them.
Gordonsville Lions operate a similar program to supply eyeglasses--and hearing aids--to local folks who need them. 
“We work with local optometrists to help local people who can’t afford it with eye exams and eyeglasses, or hearing aids,” Martin said. For people who qualify, the Lions arrange for appointments with local doctors, and then cover part or all of the expenses, he added.
Additionally, the Gordonsville Lions sponsor and operate a mobile sight and hearing unit. In a large van that visits schools, fairs, carnivals and other events, Martin said, Lions Club members with expert training provide free vision and hearing tests.
Once a year, Gordonsville Lions hold White Cane Day to collect contributions and increase community awareness of the familiar white cane used by the blind and visually impaired. Club members use White Cane Days to educate the public about the challenges facing the visually impaired.
Martin said this year’s White Cane Day helped generate more than $900 in donations that will be used to pay for eye care for individuals who otherwise cannot afford treatment.
Additionally, Lions raise money year-long to support a number of charities, including the Gordonsville Volunteer Fire Company, local Little Leagues, a Michigan-based seeing-eye dog training school, and diabetes awareness and preventable blindness education programs. And in the past, community members who have become the victims of disaster, like a house fire, have received a donation from the Gordonsville Lions, to help them get back on their feet.
“That’s another way of giving back,” Martin said.
On the last Saturday in September for the last decade, Gordonsville Lions host a Youth Fishing Day at Lake Orange.
“That’s a pretty big event,” Martin said. “Kids up to 16 years old can come and fish at no charge.”
Edwin Tucker, who has been a member of the Gordonsville Lions Club since 1964, said the youth fishing tournament is one of his favorite programs at which to volunteer.
“We average over 100 kids each year, and the kids outfish the adults,” he said.
Each participant receives special recognition for their fishing efforts. Lions also present awards for fishing contests at their annual event.
“We give them a prize whether they catch a fish or not!” Tucker said humorously.
Next week, the Lions will host a yard sale to raise money for their community service programs and sight awareness initiatives. For months, Lions Club members have been collecting donated items from the community to sell at the June 21 yard sale. Last year’s sale yielded about $1,100 in proceeds, and leftover, unsold items were donated, Martin said.
The sale will be held next to Hardware Plus on Route 15, just north of the traffic circle. From 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., shoppers can support a worthy cause while browsing gently used household goods, furniture, and more.
For more information, or to make a donation (please, no computers, clothing or exercise equipment) contact Cricket Crickenberger at 967-1453, Edwin Tucker at 832-3484, or Bernard Martin at 832-3540. Lions will even pick up donated items!