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The cold snap that happened around the Christmas holidays in 2022 has left Lions Volunteer Blind Industries in a bind.

During the frigid temperatures in Morristown Christmas Day, LVBI was alerted that water was seen gushing out of one of the receiving doors. Upon arrival at the industry, it was determined that a water line had frozen and burst. Gallons of water were flowing freely through various areas of the facility, including storage areas and office spaces for an undermined amount of time before the water was disconnected.

There was significant damage to materials, supplies, equipment and flooring.

According to LVBI Chief Executive Officer Trevor Southerland, there is still some moisture between the first and second floors.

“The leak was on the second story,” he said. “That’s when the water came through the ceiling and the raw materials for other product lines were damaged.”

The part of the plant where the water damage occurred was opened in 1907.

“There is five inches of wood all the way to the top level,” Southerland said. “All of the layers of that floor will have to be removed except for the bottom level so that it can dry.”

Southerland said that work crews were at the plant Monday working on the damages.

LVBI has insurance, however the industry is required to pay a $10,000 deductible that is putting a squeeze on their already tight budget. So far, about $4,500 has been raised through a “Go Fund Me” page on the Internet.

That area of the building does not have manufacturing going on at this time and is being used for storage of mattresses and raw materials.

“We’re having to move that around the best we can,” Southerland said. “Once it starts, it will be another issue in itself.”

Fortunately, the plant was shut down for 11 days between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

“We were able to dry the area best we could,” Southerland said. “This has allowed us to be a little more creative. The first floor underneath the wood floor.

LVBI has received donations from area Lions Clubs, but the industry has a long way to go.

LVBI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of providing blind people with independence through employment. Every dollar that is donated to help cover the deductible is a dollar that is not taken from LVBI’s mission.

For more information, or to donate, mail a check to LVBI at 758 West Morris Boulevard, Morristown, TN 37813.

Or call 423-586-3922.