LIONS CLUBS HELP GIVE THE GIFT OF SIGHT

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The gift of sight is a wondrous window on the world.

On Dec. 2, Lenscrafters at West Park Mall, along with local Lions Club members, gave free eye exams and eyeglasses to children and adults selected by Lions Club International.

"This local effort is part of Lenscrafters' National Gift of Sight Hometown Day," said Pam Brown, chairperson of the event. "We feel good that we can make such a difference in the lives of people in our community."

Many of the children receiving glasses were from Bollinger and Cape Girardeau County.

"This is so terrific," said Betty Allen of Daisy as she watched her two granddaughters Candice and Marietta being fitted with glasses. "It's good to know that a big company like this cares about children enough to do this for free."

Tony Peyton of Zalma also received free glasses.

"It's an outstanding service" said Scott Peyton, Tony's father. "More people should partake in this effort. When such an effort as this is offered, people should use it."

About 34,000 people nationwide were helped through the program that day. At the Cape Girardeau location, 26 received free eye exams and 14 of them were provided free glasses.

"This is something that anyone can do to help others," said Brown. "All you have to do is drop off your old eyeglasses at any Lenscrafters store and we will get them to someone who desperately needs them."

"Providing glasses for people who just can't afford them is a wonderful way of helping people," commented Ed Tilley, Lions Club member.