On Sept. 18, the Granby Lions participated in the Veterans Stand Down event at the State Veterans Home in Rocky Hill for the fourth year in a row. It was one of six Stand Down locations in the state. The Granby Lions members collected toiletry items, clothing, eyeglasses and first aid items throughout the year to donate to the veterans.
District 23B Lions clubs have a long history of supporting veterans through this event. Twenty Lions from eight area Lions clubs participated in person at the Rocky Hill site keeping the tables full of donated items, helping the participants find what they needed, and performing vision screening. Protecting vision and preventing avoidable blindness is one of the Lion’s main missions worldwide.
The Stand Down, held by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, is dedicated to supporting military veterans by connecting them with essential services, benefits, healthcare resources, housing assistance, employment services and other programs. In addition, veterans are provided with personal care items, clothing and other necessities. The event is especially important for veterans facing financial hardship, housing insecurity or other challenges, and serves as an opportunity to ensure they receive the support and recognition they have earned.
This event is just one of many service projects the Granby Lions participate in or spearhead each year. Membership continues to grow each year with 63 current members. Anyone interested is cordially invited to visit a meeting, held on the first and third Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., each month at New England Pizza or call John Spatcher, membership chair at 860-930-3782.