CLEARFIELD – Shriners will hold their annual paper drive on June 5-6 in Clearfield County. During their paper drive, Shriners distribute informational materials about their services outside of local businesses as well as accept donations.
According to Shriner Sam Carr, there are 22 Shriners hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which include those in Erie, Philadelphia and Cincinnati; there are also others in development. Carr said these hospitals provide free medical care and transportation to and from visits for children.
Currently, he said there are approximately 60 Clearfield County children who receive medical services from Shriners hospitals. He shared the story of one patient with the Clearfield County Commissioners on Tuesday.
Carr said the patient was born with Clubfoot and Rickets. While receiving Shriners medical services, doctors successfully turned this patient’s feet around; however, their body didn’t grow from the waist down.
As a result, he said the patient returned for additional Shriners medical services. He said doctors stretched this patient’s legs three-quarters of an inch at time and a total of 10 inches.
Carr said although the Shriners will accept donations during their paper drive, their real purpose is to enlighten the community about their services. He said both the Shriners and the staff members at their hospitals are proud of their services to the community.
For more information or to make a donation, interested persons are invited to visit the Shriners during their regular meetings. The Shriners meet at 12 p.m. each Friday at the Arrowhead Restaurant in Clearfield.
