Lions Clubs in the state distribute between 1,000 and 1,200 white canes to the blind each year. The drive is one of the organization's oldest service projects and some of the funds raised through the White Cane operation also help support Camp Dogwood, a recreational camp for the blind in Sherrills Ford.

Lions Club fundraising efforts also benefit clinical eye research as well as hearing aid programs. Money raised by the Lions also helps provide grants to support a variety or programs for the visually impaired, educational grants for the children of blind parents and emergency assistance for those with vision problems.

Funds generated through the White Cane drive also finance the operation of the Lions Vision Van, which performs vision screenings throughout the state.

The local Lions are also actively involved in the world-wide "Feed the Hungry" campaign to help others during the holiday season. The Lions Club is currently accepting donations of food that will be distributed to needy families in the north Mecklenburg/Lake Norman community during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Last year, the local Lions collected seven large containers of food. The donated items were distributed to the Loaves and Fishes food pantry at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. This year, the club wants to at least double the amount of food it collects and distributes.

"It is very important," says Angelo Lorusso Jr., club president, "that the needy living in our community have enough to eat, not only during the holidays but throughout the entire year."

Those interested in making a food donation, or those who like a food collection box delivered to their business location, should call 704-962-7576.

— Staff