This video is produced by Lions Clubs International; Fairfax Lions Club is your local club.

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Those are the words of the mom of “Henry,” a local preschooler. Henry was born with a visual impairment. He can see large size letters but his eyes quickly fatigue. Though Henry has always loved books, his visual impairment forces his eyes to work harder to see words.

Moving through various military assignments in different states in Henry’s very early years, his parents struggled to find the right programs to support his low-vision. They were advised that he would benefit from learning both enlarged print and Braille. When they were transferred to the Washington DC area, they found an opportunity to do that.

This summer, Henry attended the National Federation of the Blind’s Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy in Arlington, VA.  The BELL Academy prepares blind and low-vision children, ages 4 through 12, to grow into confident and independent people who will live the lives they want. It challenges children with intense Braille instruction through fun, hands-on learning activities, targeting blind and low-vision children who do not receive enough Braille instruction in school, or who could benefit from Braille enrichment over the summer.

The Fairfax Lions Club provides financial support to the local BELL Academy. This year, the Fairfax Lions presented 99 Braille books for this summer’s BELL camp which Henry attended. His mom spoke to the Fairfax Lions on October 17, thanking them for their support. She explained how Henry loves to read, and how the children’s Braille books will enable his growing knowledge of Braille – a skill that will assure Henry a lifetime of reading.

HENRY’S FAVORITE BRAILLE BOOK, PROVIDED BY FAIRFAX LIONS CLUB

Henry’s parents are very pleased with the progress he made at the BELL Academy. His mom’s words to the Fairfax Lions:  “It was a Life-Changing Activity – You Make a Difference!”

The Fairfax Lions invite ALL persons to engage in community service programs. Attend a Lions Club meeting and learn more about Fairfax Lions charity programs, or make a tax deductible donation. Visit the web page at:  https://fairfaxlions.org/donate/

Fairfax Lions received this recognition award for our contribution to “Leader Dogs for the Blind.”

Leader Dogs for the Blind empowers people who are blind, visually impaired or Deaf-Blind – with skills for a lifetime of independent travel, opening doors that may seem to have closed with the loss of sight. Their programs are provided free to clients. Leader Dog programs are crafted to individual situations and adapt to clients’ changing needs at any point in their lives. From youth camp to orientation and mobility cane training, through guide dog training, and GPS technology integration, Leader Dog’s programs give clients the confidence and skills they need to live independent lives.  Leader Dog is recognized as a “Best In America” Charity by the Independent Charities of America.  More at:  http://www.leaderdog.org/

A few years ago, Fairfax Lions Club volunteers built a Bocce Ball court at the Fairfax City’s Green Acres Senior Center. Lion Bill Trent led that effort. The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics bocce competition on Sep 14, 2017, was held on that very court. Full story at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2017/sep/18/northern-virginia-senior-olympics-rolls-along/  Fairfax Lons Club – WE SERVE!

Senior Center Bocce Ball Court

Recent disasters struck several places with devastating results – among them hurricanes in the US and Caribbean islands.  Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF, which all Lions Clubs contribute to) has awarded a $100,000 grant to support relief and reconstruction in Puerto Rico in the wake of hurricane destruction. Emergency and major catastrophe grants allow Lions on scene to provide much-needed supplies.

LCIF makes emergency grants to local Lions; Lions in the disaster area work with local government officials and other agencies to ensure the right supplies getto areas most in need, without duplication of effort.

Support your local Lions club – WE SERVE!

Fairfax Lions collect eyeglasses donated by area residents, and provide them to people in need. There are collection boxes at numerous locations; see list at: https://fairfaxlions.org/?s=eyeglass+recycling

September, 2017, was a bountiful month; we collected 921 pairs of eyeglasses (and 4 hearing aids – which we also recycle for persons in need). We thank everyone their donations!

Lions clean, inspect, categorize, and package the donated glasses at the LIONS EYEGLASS RECYCLING CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA in Arlington, VA http://www.valions.org/egrc/index.html. This volunteer service is especially rewarding when you consider the number of people who can see better after receiving a pair of recycled eyeglasses.  WE SERVE!