The Cochise County government meeting on June 7, 2025, featured a discussion highlighting the contributions of the Sierra Vista Lions Club, particularly their ongoing community service initiatives. Janet Morlock, a representative from the Lions Club, shared insights into the organization's history and its commitment to supporting local citizens for nearly seventy years.
The Sierra Vista Lions Club, which predates the establishment of Sierra Vista itself, focuses primarily on vision services. Morlock explained that the club conducts vision screenings in schools throughout the county, utilizing specialized equipment that assists preschool and special needs children without requiring them to read traditional eye charts. This initiative is led by Mark Gens, a retired sheriff's office employee, who has established a network with local schools to facilitate these screenings.
In addition to vision services, the Lions Club supports domestic crisis centers and participates in community events such as Relay for Life, which raises awareness for childhood cancer. They also provide glasses to individuals in need, collaborating with organizations like Saint Vincent DePaul Neighborhood Alliance to ensure that those who struggle with vision issues receive the necessary assistance.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Project Linus, a new initiative that the Lions Club has recently partnered with the Salvation Army to implement. This project aims to provide comfort to children in need through the distribution of handmade blankets, showcasing the club's dedication to enhancing the well-being of the community.
Overall, the meeting underscored the Sierra Vista Lions Club's vital role in Cochise County, emphasizing their commitment to service and the positive impact they have on local residents.