Lions club is making a difference

ODON, Ind. (WTHI) - For 80 years, the Lions Club in Odon, Ind. has been a staple in the community.

From raising money for children's eyeglasses to helping set up mail delivery in the 1950's.

If something is going on in Odon, the men of the Lions Club are probably part of it. That's why they're this month's Make A Difference award winner.

Meet Sierra. This 10-year-old yellow Lab is part of the Lions Club's many outreaches helping people with visual impairments.

Chris Miller is Sierra's owner. He's suffering from a retinal degeneration genetic disorder called LCA.

Miller got Sierra through the clubs involvement with Leader Dogs for the Blind.

"I wasn't sure that it was a very good idea, but the more you get used to the dog and the more you use her and the more you realize how much you do benefit," Lions Club Member Chris Miller said.

Miller said since Sierra's been with him his world has benefited in many ways.

"Before that you bump into a lot of things. You have some difficulty getting around," Miller said. "With the dog, you can navigate around things, gives you a little bit more independence, gives you some more confidence as well."

It was this new confidence that lead MIller to join the club two years ago. Now, he's a part of the group that gave so much to him.

"The Lions Club is really a staple in Odon. There's a lot of things that happen here because of the Lions Club that wouldn't happen otherwise," Miller said.

Some of this thins are renovations to a historic log cabin, decorating the park for Christmas, and providing a place for people to celebrate in.

"Now when someone in Odon says they're going clubbin' they're coming here," Miller said.

"I think people that like to do these kinds of things in the community there's kind of a common bond there," Lions Club Member Leroy Wadsworth said.

A bond to bring joy to each other and help others find joy in their own lives.

If you'd like to nominate someone for a WTHI Plumbers and Steam-fitters Local 157 Make a Difference award go to our community page.