Once a month, a member of Neosho Lions Club reads a story to students at Central Elementary.

From Lionsclubs.org

Humanitarian efforts are at the heart of LCIF and the work of Lions. Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion. When there’s a challenge, Lions respond.

In 2012, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation challenged Lions to raise $10 million dollars to help eradicate measles, a preventable disease that claims the lives of hundreds of children a day worldwide. Lions from around the globe responded by raising US$10 million in support of One Shot, One Life: The Lions Measles Initiative. The Gates Foundation contributed a US$5 million match, and the combined funds resulted in 200 million vaccinations administered and a significant step taken toward ending the death and disease caused by measles.

Millions of children were vaccinated in Nepal alone, and Lion Sanjay Khetan of Nepal understands what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it has been: “To be part of an initiative which will save the lives of so many children gives you immense satisfaction. Your life has some cause.”

Actually, in the lives of Lions there are many causes. Lions enhance quality of life for the hearing impaired through the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Program. We provide vision screening for Special Olympic athletes through the Opening Eyes program.  Lions understand that each life is precious, and every dollar counts.

Celebrate LCIF week by making a donation to help ensure that no need goes unmet!

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Today, more than 100 years after the world’s first corneal transplant, there are more than 60 Lions eye banks in 11 countries. Lions assist local eye banks as corneal tissue transporters, eye bank volunteers and fundraisers.

Lions Clubs Eye Bank Week is recognized as the first full week in December (12/2-12/8).  During this week, Lions Clubs seek to education their communities about the importance of eye donation and how to donate.

Quick facts about eye donation:
     *  A cornea transplant may be required because of an eye disease, such as Fuch's dystrophy, keratoconus or a corneal injury. In fact, on average, 42,000 transplants are performed each year in the U.S.
     *  Almost anyone between the ages of 2 and 75 can be a donor even if you have most types of cancer, diabetes or poor vision.
     *  The cornea gets its oxygen from the air as opposed to the bloodstream.
     *  Over 90% of corneal transplants are successful.

The closest Lions Club eye bank is Heartland Lions Eye Bank located in Springfield.

If you are interested in becoming a donor, please visit the Missouri donor registry, Show Me Your Heart.  If you'd prefer to not register online, you can mail in this form.

For more information on Lions eye banks, visit Lions Clubs Eye Bank page.

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Lions are recognized worldwide for their work with the visually impaired and blind, a cause Lions have supported since Helen Keller’s call to Lions in 1925 to be ‘Knights of the Blind.’ Our support of eye banks and sight-saving surgeries is one example of how Lions make a difference in our community.”