In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the organization’s national convention at Cedar Point, challenging members to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”
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“Since that time, Lions have worked to eradicate blindness and prevent vision loss through a wide range of programs,” says Melitta Cutright, public relations manager for the international organization. There are now clubs in 206 countries and geographic areas and the eyeglass project has given millions of glasses to those who can use them most.
“Your pair of glasses can make a big difference in someone’s life,” Cutright says. “The donated eyeglasses are cleaned, sorted by strength, packaged and distributed to those in need, mostly in developing countries, but also in America.”
According to Todd W. Trautwein, president of the Downtown Dayton Lion’s Club, donated glasses from our area are taken to The Ohio State University School of Optometry where students determine the correct prescription of each pair. Last year, the Dayton group delivered between 7,000 to 10,000 glasses to Columbus.
What they want
The Lions will accept prescription glasses as well as readers. Children’s glasses are especially in demand.
The group also wants your sunglasses, and those don’t need to be prescription glasses. Cutright says people living near the equator or in heavy sunlight are more likely to get cataracts.
When in doubt about whether your glasses can be recycled, she adds, donate them.
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Look for drop-off boxes at your optometrist’s office, or at locations such as libraries, schools, community centers, or places of worship.
All LensCrafter stores throughout the United States have collection boxes, so do corporate-owned Pearle Vision Centers and many of their franchise operations as well. You’ll find a box in the lobby of the Masonic Temple across from the Dayton Art Institute and we spotted one at the Vandalia Recreation Center. Franco’s Ristorante in the Oregon District also collects the glasses.
You can also donate by mail. Send glasses to:
Lions Clubs International Headquarters
Attention: Receiving Department
300 W. 22nd St.
Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
If you have questions about the Lions project, call Todd Trautwein at (937) 478-6637.
Each week Meredith Moss profiled a non-profit organization in our community and its specific needs. If you have a wish list you would like to have included, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please leave a daytime phone number and include a photo that reflects your organization’s mission.
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