By Debbie Adams
Each year the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club treats students in need at Herman L. Horn and W.E.
Cundiff Elementary Schools to a Christmas shopping trip. Children are recommended by the
guidance staff and administration at their schools.
This year’s shopping spree was on November 1 at the Bonsack Walmart.
The Lions, teachers, and guidance staff from each school were joined by members of the Leo
Club (which they sponsor at William Byrd High School) and members of the Vinton Police
Department escorting students on a trip through the store with wish lists in hand. Purchases were
mainly clothes and shoes, but with one toy included. The volunteer shoppers received lists of
clothing sizes for the children ahead of time.
Christmas shopping trip to the Bonsack Walmart. Pictured left to right are Zach McCarty, Hal
Mabe, Joel Lytton, Torrie Nininger, Chris McCarty, Otis Chambers, Sam Cundiff (in back), Jeff
Mason, Paula Greenway, Gwynne Myers, Tim Greenway, Gary Myers, and Peggy Stovall. (photos by Debbie Adams)
The Lions shopped for 20 students (10 from each elementary school), spending about $170 per
child.
Once the shopping was complete, the Lions and children stood in line to check out (Walmart set
aside one lane just for them) and the purchases were bagged and transported by the Lions for gift
wrapping. The wrapped gifts will be delivered to the two schools for distribution to families in
time for the holidays.
The Lions Club raises money for community service projects such as this with their annual
Pancake Breakfast on Vinton Fall Festival Day, their traditional Spaghetti Dinner on the evening
of the Vinton Christmas Parade and their annual Drawdown fundraiser.
This year’s Spaghetti Dinner is coming up on December 5 at Vinton Baptist Church.
