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The Suffolk Lions Club celebrated one of its most successful charity auctions in December.

During the annual auction, members collect donated items from businesses to raise money for charities the club supports. Auction items include gift certificates, gift cards, gift baskets, merchandise and services.

The 2021 charity auction raised $5,500. Part of the money will go to the Suffolk Cheer Fund, which provides toys for children during Christmas. The remaining money will go to helping underprivileged people in Suffolk with sight and hearing issues.

“We put a lot of work into it and are pleased with the good response with local businesses and restaurants,” said Chuck Britt, president of the Suffolk Lions Club. “We hope that we can do it again next year and set a new record.”

The Suffolk Lions Club will go into its 99th year of serving the community in July. Lions is a worldwide civic organization with a primary focus on helping those with hearing and sight issues.

Suffolk Lions can be seen at many local events, including recycling drives, collecting glasses and hearing aids to recycle. Other fundraisers include selling brooms, Brunswick stew, Boston butts and raffle tickets, and volunteering for SmithfieldVAEvents.

Before the pandemic, the Lions Club also went into the elementary schools to sight-screen students. They would then refer the students to a specialist and help with payments if needed.

“Mainly the Lions Club is about hearing and sight, but we help with other needs whenever we can,” said Britt.

Anyone interested in learning more can visit the Suffolk Lions Club’s Facebook page or email suffolklionsclub9308@gmail.com.