This belated letter is to thank you, reporter Dean Wong and the Ballard News-Tribune for the story you wrote last month about the White Cane Days event held by our Ballard Lions Club. As a club member, I can tell you that this coverage from your newspaper really helps. From my location at the local Safeway, I can almost tell who has read the story by the people who smile at me and reach into their purse or wallet in search of a contribution as they walk from their cars to the supermarket entrance.

These people are a godsend, because this duty as a club member otherwise entails a lot of rejection. Their smiles and words of support are what keep you going and turn potential drudgery into a fun, positive day. At the end of my shift, I feel good about the money collected. Each dollar in the jar helps our club and our Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight and Hearing restore sight to people who can't afford the cornea transplant, cataract surgery or other medical treatment or special equipment they so desperately need. You should read some of the thank you letters we get from recipients who can finally see. Their stories make it all worthwhile. Thank you again for the role your newspaper plays in making it possible for us to help.

Bob Sheffels

Ballard Lions