Weaverville – “We Serve” is the motto of Lions Club International. This motto is the unifying force that recently benefited a Weaverville elderly couple. This couple, living on a limited income and also supporting a special-needs adult daughter, encountered mobility issues. They desperately needed a wheelchair ramp at the home they had lived in for over 50 years, but finances were a major stumbling block.
Joining forces, the Weaverville Lions Club, several area churches, the Weaverville Lowe’s, and Leapfrog Landscaping put the “we serve” motto into practice by removing that stumbling block on Monday, March 6.
After the project was completed, Preston Fox, a long-time member of the Weaverville Lions Club and Old Bull Creek Baptist Church, one of the sponsoring churches, affirmed that the ramp would be a significant blessing. Reverend Ray Bailey, pastor at Pleasant Grove Union Church, another sponsoring church, was similarly pleased and grateful for the community support demonstrated by the cooperating agencies. “It’s impressive what can be done when people come together for a cause,” he stated.
Everette Worley, a retired contractor and member of Grace Point Church, was the lead foreman for this project. Everette participated in Hearts with Hammers, the church’s disaster relief ministry, for several years. He recognized the critical need this family had for a wheelchair ramp, sourced some of his own materials, and helped make this happen. He also expressed deep appreciation for the donated materials provided by Weaverville Lowe’s.
The Weaverville Lions Club, formed in 1949, served as the lead agency for this ramp project. Annually, the club also supports eye screenings, vision programs, scholarships to deserving seniors at North Buncombe High School, the Cops for Kids program, and area food and medical assistance programs. The club also sponsors the work of Camp Dogwood, a summer camp and therapeutic vacation retreat for blind and visually impaired persons. Currently, the club meets in the front dining area of the Weaverville Ingles (140 Weaverville Blvd.) on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 5:30 pm.
If you would like to help “serve” as a Weaverville Lions Club member, or if you would like to join forces in serving the medical and community needs of the local area, please contact Lion Rick Johnson at (828) 772-2348. When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves, and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing…and an incredible feeling for everyone involved. Worldwide, 1.4 million caring men and women of Lions Clubs International put the “we serve” motto into practice.