Annual program for sight, hearing conservation

White canes are about to take Moses Lake by storm.

Come Friday, a lot of different people are going to be wearing little white canes — the fashion accessory of choice available at any of the following locations: Bob's Cafe beginning Friday at 6 a.m., and the Food Pavilion, Safeway, the post office and Wal-Mart beginning at 8 a.m.

"What we're doing is handing out white canes as an awareness program of local sight and hearing conservation projects conducted by the Moses Lake Lions Club," said Randy Jarisch, chairman of the White Cane Day program. "Donations are gladly accepted; we will also collect used eyeglasses for recycling. Hearing aids will be accepted, because we do collect those, and we do hearing projects as well."

The annual event is put on by the Moses Lake Lions Club, Lions Club East and the Moses Lake Lioness Club.

Money raised for the event will go into local eye examinations for people who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

"We're giving the white canes away as an awareness activity, and gladly accept donations," Jarisch said. "There's no charge for services if they need the criteria for need for eye exams and glasses."

Jarisch said that the Lions Club dispersed funds of $1,400 locally and contributed over $500 to Lions Club International from money raised during last year's White Cane Day.