The Smoky Mountain Lions Club held a free Vision Van Clinic on Saturday, May 10, at the Union County High School. 78 adults and children received vision services. Participants will return to the high school on May 31 to pick up their new glasses.

The twenty-four volunteers providing all services from registration, health screening, testing, all the way to assisting with each person to choose his/her frame were from Union, Karns, Knoxville East, Halls, Sevier, and West Knox Lions Clubs. They provided their time and expertise by helping, and the Union County Lions Club would like to thank all the folks who came to Maynardville to help us out! Kudos to Dr. Tommy Louthan (of the Halls Vision Clinic), Dr. Larry Zubal, and Dr. Amy Combs for volunteering their help.

To make that day extra special for the Vision Volunteers, UCHS Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Zach Hodges came in very early to prepare breakfast and lunch for them! Very much appreciated and we all thank him for the delicious food (see photo!). Many thanks, Chef Zach. Union County Lions members and community volunteers worked hard to pull this together for our citizens, including UNCH seniors Kelsie Holt and Reece Moore. None worked harder than Lion Debbie Sylvia-Gardner. Thank you, Debbie S-G, our Energizer Bunny!

If you missed the Union County Vision Van Clinic, well, you’re in luck because the Smoky Mountain Lions Club holds a free vision clinic in Fountain City every month. For an application and appointment, contact any Union County Lions Club member. And if you like helping people out, think about joining the Lions Club!! All are welcome!