Members of Lions Clubs are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. We are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in more than 200 countries who are known for working to end preventable blindness. World-wide, Lions have restored sight to 7 million people through cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss for 20 million people and improved eye care services for hundreds of millions. Locally, members of the Canastota Lions participate in a variety of projects. The Canastota Lions operate an eyeglass recycling program in conjunction with other Lions through the world. We helped purchase a vision screener for use in the schools and at other events for vision screening for pre-school children. The Canastota Lions support a network for free eye examinations, eyeglasses and guide dogs for children and others in need. We support organizations which train and provide guide dogs. We also provide monetary support to a host of local community service organizations, including, through the Visions 2000, the Children’s’ Center at SUNY Upstate Hospital. We also serve the young people in our community. Annually, the Canastota Lions participate in and co-host a Christmas Party for under-privileged youth. Lions contribute time and money to support youth camps and programs for the visually and hearing impaired. The Canastota Lions support a LEO program for young people interested in the goals and efforts of Lions. We provide scholarships for graduating seniors. In addition, the Canastota Lions provide a special scholarship for a graduating senior who participates in community services and who decides to pursue a college degree in social services. Finally, the Canastota Lions host Student Achievement Night to honor the most successful students in grades nine through twelve. The Canastota Lions have also hosted Meet the Candidates Nights in election years to allow the free flow of ideas. We support our Senior Citizens and annually sponsor a dinner for our communities’ Senior Citizens. We also have events for the Lions and their spouses. We meet on the fourth Mondays September to June, subject to special events and holidays. We are always looking for new members who want to help those we serve. Come join us and proudly say, WE SERVE.