For years, school counselors, medical clinics and hospitals have referred low-income clients to the Ballard Lions Club for help with hearing aids and eye glasses.

Now the Ballard Lions are looking for people who are shut-ins to assist, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Wilson Trust, part of the legacy of Harry Wilson and Claire Cayo-Wilson, founders of the old Wilson Ford in Ballard on Leary Way.

The funds are earmarked to help financially needy individuals with vision and hearing problems who don't leave their homes and are not aware of the service provided by the Ballard Lions.

"My idea is to try and reach shut-ins and help them with eye and hearing exams and then glasses and hearing aids if needed," said Gary Filion, treasure of the Ballard Lions Foundation.

Most people who have received assistance from the Ballard Lions, have heard about their services through word of mouth.

Now the club is encouraging friends, family and neighbors to identify people for their sight and hearing programs.

Often relatives, caregivers or a relative will call said Nancy Debaste, the Ballard Lions' hearing aid volunteer.

While the club has provided assistance to many people, shut-ins tend not to go to senior centers or hospitals where they can be referred to the Ballard Lions.

"They have gone through other resources. The Lions are at the bottom of the totem pole to get help," said Debaste.

"If they can't read a newspaper due to sight impairment, they won't read this article, and don't know what help is available to them" said Filion.

"We're just trying to come up with ways to help our area residents. Often they are elderly and simply isolated, many times due to the fact they can't hear or see well," said Filion.

"It's wonderful, people can have this gift and enjoy life more," said Debaste.

To receive help with hearing, call the Ballard Lions' Nancy Debaste at 282-4097. The number Ted Peterson and vision assistance is 789-9417.