“Donate glasses and change someone’s life. Imagine if you could help a child read. An adult succeed in his job. A senior maintain her independence.”Lions Clubs International Recycle For Sight Program
OUR STORY
In April of 2013, the Lord blessed my husband, Troy, and myself with a precious baby girl named Anna Bella. I remember seeing her for the first time and immediately falling in love with her big, blue, beautiful eyes. When Anna Bella was thirteen months old, her eyes began to cross and, soon thereafter, she was diagnosed with strabismus. The doctor said she would need glasses to correct her eyes, so at fifteen months old Anna Bella received her first pair of glasses. They were the cutest little round, pink glasses that perfectly framed those big, blue eyes.
At a time in our life when we could have chosen to worry about this diagnosis, we chose to focus our energy on something positive. The Lord, in his perfect timing, placed a service project on me–A project that would involve my family, be close to our hearts, and impact our community. With the help of many wonderful people, our dream of starting this project became a reality in February 2017.
OUR PROJECT
Our project is called “A New View,” and our purpose is to serve others by collecting used eyeglasses and donating them to the Lions Clubs International Recycle For Sight program. Sight is one of Lions defining causes, which is why they started the Recycle For Sight program. Throughout the year, they collect used eyeglasses (prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, and plastic and metal frames) and deliver them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). LERC volunteers clean, sort, and package the glasses. Recycled glasses are then distributed to people in need in low and middle income communities where they will have the greatest impact.
OUR VISION
Please consider donating your own used eyeglasses and helping us collect them from your friends, family, and neighbors. We currently have receptacles (drop boxes) throughout the United States and have collected almost 250 pairs of glasses. We would love for you to place a receptacle at your business or organize a collection drive in your community. Our hope is that “A New View” can serve others by not only collecting used eyeglasses, but also providing more receptacle locations and spreading awareness of the Recycle For Sight program. For more information on donations or receptacles, please contact me at teatjm@gmail.com.