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http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/122306/met_6916825.shtml
Springfield Lions Club, chartered 60 years ago
Specialize in assistance to the visually- and hearing-impaired
With an active membership of 25, the group stages twice-weekly bingo games that draw about 200 players to support their charitable deeds. Each Christmas the Lions invite about 150 students from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine to a party at their Springfield clubhouse. Monday night there were hot dogs and hamburgers to eat plus a visit from Santa Claus, who gave each student a stuffed animal and an envelope containing a crisp $20 bill. Club President Randy Thomas and Billy Meares Jr., a member, spoke about the event.
Why did you decide to help?
"That's what Lions Clubs stand for - to help the deaf and the blind," Thomas said. "Among other things, we spend $25,000 a year buying eyeglasses for those who need them but can't afford them."
Describe how helping makes you feel.
"Real good! Great! Awesome!" Meares said. "It brings tears to your eyes to see the happy faces. When you go home, you don't care about Christmas anymore because you've already had it here at the club."
What is the kindest thing someone has done to help you?
"We wouldn't be able to do this party if not for all the bingo players who show up each week all year. They make it happen," Thomas said. And, of course, added Meares, the members who donate their time to the club's activities.
What will you do next year to help?
"The same thing," Thomas said, "but we'd like to get some Jaguars players to attend for the kids next year."
Springfield Lions Club, chartered 60 years ago
Specialize in assistance to the visually- and hearing-impaired
With an active membership of 25, the group stages twice-weekly bingo games that draw about 200 players to support their charitable deeds. Each Christmas the Lions invite about 150 students from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine to a party at their Springfield clubhouse. Monday night there were hot dogs and hamburgers to eat plus a visit from Santa Claus, who gave each student a stuffed animal and an envelope containing a crisp $20 bill. Club President Randy Thomas and Billy Meares Jr., a member, spoke about the event.
Why did you decide to help?
"That's what Lions Clubs stand for - to help the deaf and the blind," Thomas said. "Among other things, we spend $25,000 a year buying eyeglasses for those who need them but can't afford them."
Describe how helping makes you feel.
"Real good! Great! Awesome!" Meares said. "It brings tears to your eyes to see the happy faces. When you go home, you don't care about Christmas anymore because you've already had it here at the club."
What is the kindest thing someone has done to help you?
"We wouldn't be able to do this party if not for all the bingo players who show up each week all year. They make it happen," Thomas said. And, of course, added Meares, the members who donate their time to the club's activities.
What will you do next year to help?
"The same thing," Thomas said, "but we'd like to get some Jaguars players to attend for the kids next year."