The Bedford Lions Club (BLC) did not stop during the COVID pandemic. We have undertaken several community and international service projects over the past year to address real needs of people as they come up.
Medical Equipment for The Bedford Community, Those in Disaster Areas and Eyeglass Collection for Those in Need
We’ve collected truckloads of medical equipment and supplies, including crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, canes, exam gloves and miscellaneous medical equipment, and personal items and delivered them to AFYA in Yonkers, NY for shipment to foreign countries and our own states. The most urgent needs have been in India for oxygen delivery systems such as CPAP machines, to help seriously infected victims of the Covid virus, and for Hurricane Ida victims in New Jersey who suffered massive damage to their homes and medical needs due to the hurricane. Most of the donations for this program come from the Bedford community but because of the publicity of this program we also get donations from other towns and organizations. In return to we have set up a medical “loan locker” to loan some of the above items to people in temporary need in the Bedford community.
We have also, since January 2021, collected and delivered more than 344 pairs of eyeglasses for those in need. Another important project is the eye screenings of youngsters in town using a non-contact SPOT screener that immediately screens for 7 problems and identifies if further follow up needed by an eye care provider.
Helping to Feed Bedford in Times of Need
The current pandemic has left many in Town without a consistent source of food. Food pantries have been used on a large scale nationwide during the pandemic. There are also still those who are hunger-insecure on a regular basis in Bedford. In response we continue to serve the Bedford community through sponsorship of the Bedford Community Food Pantry (BCFP), a program of the Bedford Lions Club. During the months of April, May and June, BCFP distributed 9500 meals to 40 families and 600 weekend breakfast/lunch/dinner meals to Bedford school children. Approximately 25 BLC members and community volunteers worked over 250 hours during that period.
Trex Recycling Project
Our latest project is collecting clean and dry plastic bags and film for the Trex recycling project. We found out that the plastic bags that are placed in the barrels next to the recycling bins are then placed in the trash and incinerated by the recycling company AFTER we are charged for the weights. Collaborating with the staff of the Bedford transfer station, Hannaford Supermarket, and Trex Company, we have collected and submitted over 1500 lb. of film and plastic bags and will be receiving a Trex bench to be placed in a public space in town. In addition, the BLC helped Camp Allen earn their bench this summer, the second earned in Bedford. The BLC just finished collecting another 500#s for the third bench for the town of Bedford. This project saves the town some money, keeps the bags from incineration, reduces air pollution and the town benefits with benches. The main work is collecting the bags at the transfer station and bringing them to Hannaford. Many town residents have been very supportive of this project.
Other BLC News and Updates
In May, BLC awarded $2,500 scholarships to 2 college bound Bedford seniors. Of this amount, $2,000 was donated by a former scholarship winner, Gary Chartrand. His donation will provide BLC with funds for future scholarships.
If you are interested in joining the Bedford Lions Club or just volunteering for one of our great projects please call Ray Bellemore at 603-533-3804. Organizations and small groups are also welcome.
