VERGENNES — Even with the restrictions of COVID-19, the Vergennes Lions are busy helping the needy and trying to raise needed funds.
Last month, several members installed an accessible ramp on a home in Monkton to allow the resident to leave their home. They also helped purchase eyeglasses for a couple of individuals, and donated some funds to help a local youth install a net at the high school as part of his effort to become an Eagle Scout.
The club has been selling vehicle raffle tickets, and the lucky recipients were drawn at last week’s meeting held at Porky’s Barbeque in New Haven. The convertible Mustang was won by Bernadette LaBerge of Ferrisburgh. Porky’s Barbeque was won by Matt Deblois of Ferrisburgh, and the Ferrisburgh Bake Shop pie for a year was won by Gerald Dudley of Whitehall, N.Y.
Several other events and fundraisers are planned or already started. Cash for Christmas raffle tickets are now available by contactinganyLionsClubmember, writing Vergennes Lions Club, PO

Box 94, Vergennes, VT 05491 requesting the number of tickets desired, or by calling Lion Debbie Brace at 802-324-1758. Tickets are $10 for one, $20 for three, or $40 for eight. The drawing will be held on Dec. 5 and one winner will take home half of the revenue from the ticket sales. Last year, the winner won over $2,000.
On Oct. 31, at 2 p.m., club members will be helping with the Trunk or Treat Halloween give away at the American Legion parking lot on Armory Lane.
On Nov. 1, Toys for Kids barrels will be located at several businesses around town for folks to drop off toys for children who wouldn’t otherwise have toys at Christmas. Cash donations are also accepted for the club to give gift cards to teenagers in need.
Just before Thanksgiving, club members will be collecting food items to go into Thanksgiving Food Baskets for needy families. Last year, the Rotary Club helped with the collection and distribution.
Last month club treasurer Donna Corcoran was recognized by receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest award given by Lions Clubs International Foundation. In presenting the award, Past District Governor Larry Simino mentioned Lion Donna’s 15 years of Lions membership, including the many committees she has worked on. Also mentioned were her many years on the Bixby Library Board of Trustees serving as treasurer and nearly 15 years on the building committee.