Lions Donations Benefit Local Organizations

Among the local groups to benefit recently from financial donations by Newtown Lions Club is Kevin’s Community Center, Newtown Parent Connection, and the town’s Meals On Wheels program

Kevin’s Community Center, located at 153 South Main Street, is a nonprofit, free medical clinic founded by Dr and Mrs Z. Michael Taweh of Newtown in memory of their son Kevin. Approximately 800 families, 3,800 adults in Newtown alone, have no health care coverage, and the center provides free primary health care for area residents over the age of 18.

Lion Gary Storms presented a check on behalf of the Lions Club to Linda Napier, Mary Nielson, and Dr Taweh.

Another financial donation was presented to Newtown Parent Connection co-founders Dorrie Carolan and Donna DeLuca after the women spoke about the organization. NPC offers weekly support groups and has helped more than 200 families over the past seven years. Its mission is to educate and empower the community in substance abuse prevention and to embrace families in crisis.

Newtown’s Meals On Wheels delivers nutritious meals to Newtown residents who cannot make their own meals. The food is prepared by Masonicare of Newtown under the direction of trained dieticians who ensure that the food complies with the needs of each client. Meals On Wheels, which receives no public financing, currently serves meals to 23 Newtown residents. Anyone interested in becoming a driver to deliver food for Meals On Wheels should call Colleen Honan at 203-426-0714.

Lion Jack Russo presented the donation from his club to Meals On Wheels Co-Presidents Marg Studley and Pat Barrett.

Finally, The Lions held a Low Vision Support Group meeting recently in Southbury. Help is available to those suffering from low vision from the Lions Club’s Low Vision Centers, which operate in Danbury, Southbury, Bristol, Stamford, New Britain, and Torrington.

Patients, who must be under the care of an eye care provider, learn new ways to utilize remaining eyesight. The centers also provide aids and devices that can increase independence and ease activities of daily living such as electronic reading machines, high-power glasses, magnifiers, talking home appliances, and many others.