Lions Club installs newly-refurbished box

By Everett Brazil, III

The Newkirk Herald Journal

NEWKIRK — The Newkirk Lions Club has long had an eye-glass box in front of the Post Office to collect eyeglasses for those who may not have the ability to afford them. That box has weathered through the years, however, with colors and logos fading from the sun. That box looks brand new, now, as the box has been refurbished, thanks to the generous support of several Arkansas City businesses.

The eyeglass collection has long been a service project for the Lions Club.

“People drop them off and a group of Lions comes and collects them,” said member Garry Bilger. “They can tell what the prescription is in the lens, and they are taken to people who can’t afford glasses.”

The box can also show a sense of pride for local Lions, but Newkirk’s needed some TLC, as paint was fading and coming off, and the inside had rusted.

Rusty Randol assisted the Lions in getting it rehabilitated.
The box was removed at the beginning of February, and taken to Rob Carol at Rob Carol Sand Blasting, who removed the paint. Richard Dowler, at Riverside Auto Body, put fresh paint on the box. The Lions had to special order the decals, and when they arrived, Tim Hayes, at Hayes Signs, placed them on the box. Hayes is also an Arkansas City Lion.

They box was returned several weeks ago, but only installed Monday, May 3 due to inclement weather.

The Newkirk chapter is appreciative of their efforts.

“Newkirk Lions Club thanks everyone that helped