Getting inspiration from a visit from a guest speaker from the Visually Impaired Center in North Fort Myers, the members of the Pine Island Lions Club pursued the opportunity to give even more to the visually impaired.

“The woman from VIP came to our meeting earlier this year to tell us about what they offer to those with visual problems who might eventually or have already lost their sight,” said Lion President Mary Von Burg. “One of the things she said they needed were used picture frames. These would be used to frame the paintings produced by their clients who take art lessons. The pictures are then sent to art shows and some are for sale at the VIP store.”

According to Von Burg, the art lessons are provided free of charge, however, the students have to provide their own supplies and frames.

To aide in obtaining frames for the clients at VIP, members of the Lions approached others in the Pine Island community.

“As a result, the Beacon of HOPE volunteered to donate frames they had and then we approached the Methodist Church during its rummage sale and they too donated,” said Von Burg. “The Beacon even delivered the frames directly to VIP and four the Lions members delivered the frames from the church.

“We also took a guided tour while we were at VIP,” she continued. “If you haven’t been there to see just what they offer, you would be amazed.“

The Pine Island Lions Club also collects used greeting cards to donate to the VIP Center.

“We cut off the personal messages that are found in the cards and then take them to the VIP Center and they are then used for therapy. The clients glue the pretty fonts from the used cards to their own paper stock showing ‘purchase of this card enables us to continue to provide service for the visually impaired and blind’ and these recycled works of art are sold for $.25 each which includes a new envelope,” Von Burg said. “They also package and ship numerous cards and envelopes to our service men and women so they have cards to send to their families and loved ones. These are shipped and provided to soldiers free of charge.“

Used stamps are another item collected by the Lions and after the members trim all of the surrounding paper, the stamps are donated to veteran hospitals throughout the United States. Used also for therapy, the veterans use the stamps like tiles to make pictures that they can give to their families, display at the hospital or sell.

As for glasses collected by the Lions, these too are put to good use.

“The old glasses that we collect are sent to a reclamation plant in northern Florida. There they are sorted, cleaned and readied for redistribution,” Von Burg said. “The glasses are distributed here in the United States at health screenings, but also around the world. Usually they are delivered by missionaries and Lions Clubs in foreign countries.“

In addition to collecting old glasses, the Lions Club is often called upon for assistance with eye exams and providing glasses to those who cannot afford them. However, there are some cases when additional referral and care is needed.

“Some of our referrals are diabetics and we have discovered that because of unusual circumstances, whether it be from unemployment, house foreclosures or putting a families needs first, they haven’t been taking their medicine or checking their blood sugar because they can’t afford the test strips,” said Von Burg. “When we come across a situation like this, we often refer them to the Beacon, FISH or the Food Pantry for help. We also tell them about the free Saturday suppers at Jesus Christ Ministries to help ease their financial burden.“

According to Von Burg, currently the Lions Club is experiencing even more requests from families on Pine Island and is asking for help from island residents.

“Please remember your Greater Pine Island Lions Club when you are cleaning out your clutter, we can use some of that,” said Von Burg.

In addition to the items mentioned, the Lions Club also needs used cell phones, used diabetic meters and new test strips.

The Pine Island Lions meet from October to May on the fourth Monday of each month at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information or to make a donation, call Mary Von Burg at 283-9761.