Donation helps school nurses

State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow presented a check to Franklin County school nurses Andrea Mayberry, Andrea Sornberger, Kristi Dempsey, Diane Baker and Russellville Lions Club president Jim Hester Monday evening. | Jonathan Willis/FCT

The Russellville Lions Club received a donation Monday to replace a donation they had already made.

The club, which prides itself on working to secure funds for the Franklin County school system, had previously donated more than $800 to purchase the supplies needed by the nurses throughout the county schools. The school system was unable to allocate funds for the supplies this year, said club member and Phil Campbell High School nurse Diane Baker.

State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow met with the group Monday and donated $877.46, which totally reimbursed the club for the money that had given.

“When I heard how this club stepped up to help the kids in our school system, I wanted to do whatever I could to help them,” Morrow said.

“This money will at least allow them to use their funds on some other worthy project.”

Lions Club president Jim Hester said Morrow’s gift would go a long way in helping the group.

“We can keep working to do more for the nurses in our county schools,” he said.

The club helps fund a program in which two county students receive eye exams and glasses, if needed, each month.

Baker said the club has given money to purchase supplies in the past as well.

“This year the nurses really needed supplies to the club decided to donate,” she said.

Morrow’s reimbursement donation will allow the local Lions Club to continue their mission of helping each student in the county school system receive the eye care they need.

The club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Taylor’s Restaurant.