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. They are identified by the guidance
staff and administration at the schools. This year’s event was on Nov. 19 at the Clearbrook
Walmart.
elementary school students to a Christmas shopping trip at the Clearbrook Walmart on Nov. 19. (photo by Debbie Adams)
The Breakfast Lions, staff members from both schools (led by guidance counselors Erica
Jackson and Melissa Dresser), and several members of the William Byrd High School Leo Club
guided the children through the store, following the shopping lists prepared by their parents,
which included sizes. The Lions shopped for a total of 20 students (10 from each elementary
school), spending about $130 per child. Purchases were mainly clothes, shoes, and coats, but
with one toy of their choice included.
Club for the annual shopping trip. Pictured front: (l-r) From left are: front, sponsor Lisa Stover,
Peyton Wright, Lindsay Murtaugh, Lily Carrell, and Brooklyn Linick; back, Natalie Holland,
Noelah Addo, Bianca DeMelo, Shelby Ensor, Olivia Bustamante, Kaylin Bumgarner, Kalee
Hayes, and Caleb Brunk. (photo by Lisa Stover)
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 a
future gift-wrapping party. 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 numerous 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.
This year’s Spaghetti Dinner is coming up on Dec. 4 at Vinton Baptist Church, prior to the
Vinton Christmas Parade.
