The Haddonfield Lions sponsored their annual Dr. Ragone Holiday Shopping Spree for the Blind or Visually Impaired on Dec. 8. This year, about 30 children participated in shopping at a Target store in Cherry Hill. Each student got a credit card worth $100 to shop for gifts. Assisting them were members of the Haddonfield and Pennsauken LEO clubs, and the Lions wrapped the gifts. The credit card funds are donated by the Ragone family in honor of their father, who passed away several years ago. Funds also come from the Haddonfield and Pennsauken Lions.
Every December, the Haddonfield Lions Club organizes the Dr. Lawrence Ragone Holiday Shopping Event, where volunteers from the Lions and local LEO Clubs assist visually impaired children in shopping for holiday gifts for their family members, caregivers, teachers and more. The event was recently held at the Target Store on Route 38 in Cherry Hill.
The Haddonfield Memorial High School and Pennsauken LEOs, a group of young, dedicated people giving back to their community, were paired with the children from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind to help them shop for their families, teachers, and aides. The shoppers are from all over South Jersey.
Students from the LEO clubs help shoppers from the New Jersey Commission of the Blind to pick out gifts for the holidays on December 8.
“It is heartwarming to see the friendships that happen between the shoppers and the Leo volunteers. These children meet for the first time and instantly bonded,” said Larry Melton, Lions Club President. “And we are grateful for our Haddonfield Lions members who staff wrapping tables to help prepare the presents for the shoppers to take home to their families.”
Ragone, a Lion for 65 years and an Optometric Physician, started this event over 40 years ago. He devoted his life to helping people with their eye care needs. This event was born from his compassion for children with visual impairment. His family has pledged to ensure this event continues for years.
