This year's "White Cane Day," an annual event sponsored by the Washington Lions Club, raised $1,300 on Saturday, May 10, for sight conservation and treatment programs, according to a report received during the club's regular meeting Monday evening, May 19.

Lion Lisa Drake, the club's secretary treasurer, announced the amount and Lion President Mary Hubbad expressed appreciation to everyone who helped raise what may be a record total for the one-day effort.

"First of all, on behalf of the club, I want to thank everyone who contributed gifts of any amount to benefit the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation," Hubbard said. "We are happy to sponsor the campaign, but of course we cannot do anything without the generous support of individuals and businesses of Washington Wilkes. We are truly grateful for the gifts to White Cane Day and to all our various fund-raising activities throughout the year."

Hubbard also expressed thanks to all who worked to man the collection stations and to the management of Bi-Lo, Ingles, and IGA food stores for allowing the stations to be set up at their entrances. In addition to the donations collected directly on White Cane Day, other support is received by mail from local business and organizations. Some gifts are also mailed directly to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation Inc. at 1775 Clairmont Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033.

For more than 67 years, the Washington Lions Club has joined with the vast Lions International organization in support of sight conservation, vision enhancement, and other humanitarian efforts around the world.