VERGENNES — The Vergennes Lions Club recently donated $2,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Vergennes to help them meet a match for the purchase of their clubhouse. Executive Director Jill Strube said this, as well as many other donations, helped meet and exceed the match from the Pluesner family of Panton. Lions Club members also helped move club property from their School Street site to the new location on Armory Lane.
The Lions are also in the planning stages for three handicap accessible ramps for folks who need them on their homes.
In an effort to raise funds for the ramps and other projects, the Lions are currently selling 50/50 “Cash for Christmas” raffle tickets. Last year’s winner took home over $3,000. Tickets are now on sale with one ticket for $10, three tickets for $20 and eight tickets for $40. To get tickets contact Sue or Roger Hayes at 802-877-2761. The drawing will be held on Dec. 5 with one winner.
The Lions will soon be distributing dictionaries to third grade classes at the Vergennes Union Elementary School and the Champlain Valley Christian School. This program started last year, and teachers say it has been very helpful to students. The Brandon-Forestdale Lions have been doing this for several years, and Brandon-Forestdale Lion Mary Shields, who teaches at VUES, suggested the Vergennes Lions adopt the program.
Later this year, the club will be selling tickets to benefit the scholarships that are given each June to graduating seniors at Vergennes Union High School.