Lions continue Christmas tradition

RUMFORD -- Members of the Dixfield Lions Club were at Hannaford on Saturday morning where they purchased $600 in gift cards to continue their Christmas tradition of providing Christmas baskets to a dozen needy families in their district.

Longtime Lions Club member President Henry Desroches said they've had this tradition for about half a century. "We used to put the baskets together and deliver them to people. But our membership got older and we decided to do it this way."

He said the gift cards will be presented to families in Dixfield, Peru and Canton who can take them to Hannaford to purchase food items.

Money for this comes from a toll bridge the Lions Club has each year the weekend before the Fourth of July. "We take $600 from that each year, with the rest going to our eye glass and hearing aid programs," noted Desroches.

The Lions Club collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). LERC volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses. Most of the recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact.

"We're like a lot of clubs. We're always striving to get new members," noted Treasurer Craig Coulthard, who is the youngest member of the Dixfield Lions Club.

The Dixfield Lions meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Mountain View Campground. For more information, call 364-7665.

Lions continue Christmas tradition Photo:

The Dixfield Lions purchased $600 in gift cards from Hannaford in Rumford to provide Christmas meals to a dozen needy families in their district. From left are Treasurer Craig Coulthard, President Henry Desroches, Hannaford Customer Service Manager Donna Cunningham, Director Ed Roach, Director George Welch and Director Arthur Carrier. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)