The Haddonfield area Lions Club organized its annual Dr. Lawrence Ragone holiday shopping event this month, as it does every December so volunteers from the Lions and local Leo Clubs can assist visually impaired children in shopping for the holiday.
The shopping trip was held earlier this month at the Cherry Hill Target store on Route 38 with children from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind who come from all over South Jersey. The Leos are a group of young, dedicated students from Haddonfield Memorial High School who regularly give back to their community.
“It is heartwarming to see the friendships that happen between the shoppers and the Leo volunteers,” said Lions Club President Larry Melton. “These children meet for the first time and instantly bonded. And we are grateful for our Haddonfield Lions’ members who staff tables to wrap presents for the shoppers to take home to their families.”
Ragone, a Lion for 65 years and an optometrist, started the shopping program more than 40 years ago because of his compassion for children with visual impairments. His family has pledged to keep the event going for years.
“As a family, we are proud and honored to be able to continue this wonderful event in memory of our father and mother, Anna Marie,” noted Lawrence A. Ragone Jr.
“This fabulous event enables our parents’ legacy to continue in a way they would be very proud of,” added Mary Ann Ragone DeLambily.
