The Daily News

To help children around the world improve their vision, the Headwater's Lions Club is offering pumpkins in exchange for used eyeglasses during their annual pre-Halloween event Oct. 18 at the Rosemeade Chalet in Chahinkapa Park.

Children who attend "The Great Pumpkin Patch, Hay Ride and Fun Fair" can enjoy picking out pumpkins, building their own scarecrow and eating some goods from a bake sale.

"It's a terrific event," said Sandy Eichhorn, vice president of Headwater's Lion's Club. "We've had such a positive response."

Advertisement

When the event first started seven years ago, the club donated funds to assist families in third world countries who cannot afford eyeglasses. Now, Eichhorn says it has become more than that — the club has expanded its funding to help the Lions Eye Bank and other nationwide vision programs, such as the Leader Dog for the Blind. The club uses the bake sale proceeds to fund community projects.

Local organizations like the Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry also benefit from the event, as they are collecting non-perishable goods or canned items in exchange for a hay ride. The food pantry is also accepting free-will donations.

Excitement is building around the event again this year, as the club has about 175 pumpkins ready for pick up.

"It's been a good pumpkin season," Eichhorn said.

As the International Lion's Club has not specified a need for any particular lens strength, all types of glasses are welcome. Last year, the club collected 120 glasses.

The event kicks off after the North Dakota State College of Science Homecoming Parade and runs until 2 p.m. Hay rides will start at 12:30 p.m.

Comments