Oviedo - Winter Springs Lions Club
Ways We Serve
White Cane Day is an invaluable opportunity to heighten awareness about the significance of the white cane. This essential tool serves as a clear indication that its user is blind or visually impaired, prompting motorists to exercise heightened caution and extend the right of way.
Beyond its functional purpose, the white cane symbolizes the independence, confidence, and adeptness of the individual utilizing it. It is a tangible representation of their ability to navigate the world with resilience and determination.
White Cane Day gives us a chance not only to educate the public about the importance of the white cane but also to raise crucial funds for vision-related projects both within our community and beyond. You can donate to this effort on year round via Paypal.
Project Right to Sight is initiative dedicated to enhancing vision health within the community. Held monthly at the Ocoee Lions Clubhouse in Florida, this eye clinic offers vital services to individuals who may otherwise struggle to access vision care.
One of the standout achievements of the project is the collection of over 200,000 used eyeglasses. These collected glasses undergo refurbishment and are then distributed to individuals who lack the financial means to obtain proper vision correction. This effort substantially enhances their quality of life and enables them to fully engage in daily activities with confidence. Glasses are deemed non-usable are recycled for their raw materials.
Eyeglass and hearing aid donation locations throughout the community facilitates the donation process. These designated drop-off points make it convenient for community members to contribute to the project's mission of advocating for vision and hearing health for all individuals.
Project Right to Sight exemplifies a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of individuals with vision impairments. Through sustained efforts and active community participation, the project continues to achieve significant milestones in advancing access to essential vision services for all members of the community.
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Lions Club International Centennial Service Challenge and Centennial Legacy Project have significantly improved our community through their focus on sustainability and beautification. By recycling thousands of plastic bags and film, they've created four park benches placed strategically at Friendship Park in Oviedo, the Senior Center in Winter Springs, and The American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243 (which received two benches). These benches offer comfortable seating while showcasing the power of community collaboration and environmental stewardship. They demonstrate a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. These initiatives serve as inspiring examples of collective action, fostering pride and unity in our community for years to come. Contact Lion Pat Stamm to learn more. For a list of eligible plastics refer to this list.
Scholarships for Graduating Seniors: Since 2001, two annual scholarships are offered. The Lion Dennis Dulniak Book Scholarship awards $1000 to one student from each of the following high schools: Paul J. Hagerty, Oviedo, and Winter Springs. The YES Trust Fund Scholarship offers multiple $1000 scholarships to seniors in District 35-0, covering schools across Central Florida. Applications for the Class of 2025 will be available in November 2024.
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Thanksgiving Meals: In the spirit of giving back to the community, the Oviedo-Winter Springs Lions Club took proactive steps to ensure that families in need within Seminole County could enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Through their efforts, they not only provided meals but also personally delivered them, ensuring that each family received their package directly.
This act of kindness and generosity had a significant impact, reaching a total of 15 families and benefiting approximately 70 individuals. By extending a helping hand during the holiday season, the Lions Club demonstrated their commitment to supporting and uplifting their local community members in times of need. You can support this effort by making a donation to our Foundation via PayPal all year long.
Give Christmas Christian Help is a non-profit organization in Central Florida, offering year-round assistance to families and individuals in need. The Oviedo - Winter Springs Lions Club participates in their "Give Christmas" annual Toy Drive that provides gifts and essential items to children during the holidays, while also offering job placement, food assistance, and emergency aid to their families. Through these services, Christian Help aims to address poverty's root causes and empower people towards self-sufficiency, fostering community and compassion along the way.
The District 35-O Hearing Board is dedicated to assisting individuals with hearing impairments by providing essential support and resources. One of their primary objectives is to identify and cover the costs of hearing aids for those in need, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to vital auditory assistance. Additionally, the board collects, inventories, and distributes donated hearing aids, batteries, and supportive devices as required, further extending their reach and impact within the community. Through strategic partnerships with audiologists, businesses, and agencies, the District 35-O Hearing Board maximizes its ability to serve and support individuals with hearing loss, fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for all.
Charitable Contributions to the Following Entities
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions World Vision Institute
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Florida Foundation for the Blind
Florida Lions Diabetic Retinopathy Foundation
Florida Lions District 35-O Project Right to Sight
Florida Lions District 35-0 Hearing Board
Florida Lions District 35-0 Youth Exchange Trust Fund
Conklin Davis Center
Pace Center for Girls
Paralyzed Vets
Boys/Girls Club
Safe House of Seminole County
Nana’s Book Foundation
Coalition for the Homeless
Vision Walk
