WHEELING — Lions Clubs in the Wheeling region will be taking qualifying residents affected by flooding on a shopping spree later this month, though they must apply by July 16.

Lions Clubs International Foundation has awarded District 29L Lions a $15,000 grant to help fund “Lions Relief Days” to assist individuals and families affected by the recent flash flooding in Ohio County.

Local Lions are organizing a number of shopping days for the Walmart located at The Highlands.

Members of the local Lions clubs will help individuals and families shop for items included on the LCIF Eligible Items list. Among the items shoppers can purchase are personal hygiene products, clothing, shoes, bedding and eating utensils.

Residents affected by flooding and interested in the shopping trip will find an online application at the ovflood.org website, and on Facebook pages associated with local Lions clubs. These can also be submitted online.

In addition, paper copies of the application have been placed at the Triadelphia United Methodist Church, the Valley Grove Fire Department, and at the McDonough Center at Wheeling University where supplies are presently being distributed. These can be left at the locations and will be picked up by Lions members.

“We understand a lot of people do not have internet access in their area, and we are trying to make it as easy as possible for them to give the information we need from them,” said Kathy Syphers, a member of the Wheeling Island Lions Club.

The application asks the resident to provide information as to the time and extent of flood damage to their property.

It also asks the applicant to select a day for their shopping between July 21-26, and the time of day that is best for them.

There are nine different local Lions clubs participating in “Lions Relief Days.” These include those in Dallas, Elm Grove, Moundsville, Mt. Olivet, Warwood, West Liberty, Wheeling, Wheeling Island and the Ohio County Virtual Lions Club.

“Our goal is for everybody to get back to a normal life and do some shopping. That makes everybody happy. At least it does me,” Syphers said.

For more information or to get involved with a local Lions Club, contact Syphers at 304-650-4289 or ksyphers@comcast.net.