EYEGLASS COLLECTION BOXES - WHERE ARE THEY?

EYEGLASS COLLECTION BOXES 2017 - WHERE ARE THEY?
Since 1994 the Lions of Illinois Foundation have distributed more than 5,000,000 pairs of graded, used eyeglasses. These recycled eyeglasses are given to people in need, with the help of various medical missionaries, in Central and South America.

 Eyeglasses collected in Freeport IL are given to the Lions of Illinois Foundation where they are sorted for recycling to those who cannot afford it. The public can also support this program by donating used eyeglasses at one of the many eyeglass collection box locations in Freeport.

BUSINESS NAME - FREEPORT IL LOCATIONS
Northwest Eye care, 1000 Kiwanis Drive
FHN Burchard Hills Clinic, 1010 Fairway Drive
FHN – Doctor’s Offices, West Stephenson Street
Shopko, 555 West South Street
Midwest Community Bank, 1725 South West Ave
Dr. Hanny Isawi, Ophthalmology, 1045 West Stephenson St.
St. Thomas Aquinas Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive
Lutheran Social Services 1730 South Hance Drive
Senior Resource Center, 206 East Stephenson Street
Tormohlen's Good People Automotive, 1800 South Ihm Blvd
Provena St. Joseph Center, 659 East Jefferson Street
YMCA, 701 West Empire Street
Eagles Club, 1200 West Galena Street

WHAT CAN BE DONATED?
Any type of eyeglasses and visual aid is welcome. The program can use sunglasses, telescopic, magnifying, and prescription eyeglasses. Eyeglass cases cannot be redistributed due to sanitary issues and health guidelines.

WHO RECEIVES THE GLASSES?
When Freeport Lions’ eyeglass collection boxes are full they are combined and dropped off at the Lions of Illinois Foundation office in Sycamore, Illinois. Previously owned eyeglasses are typically sent out of the U.S.
 
Due to the legal constraints concerning the dispersal of prescriptive devices, and the shipment of certain types of metal, glasses are sorted and restricted frames are sold for recycling. Funds from the sale of restricted metal frames help pay for the program and other humanitarian services of the Lions of Illinois Foundation.

Nine Among Millions

AS OF May 15, 2017, the Freeport Lions Club had nine vision magnifiers loaned to area residents who are visually impaired. Their names shall remain anonymous for this article, although they would all, more than likely, gladly tell you of their experiences.

It is hard to describe the happiness witnessed when a person who has been struggling for years to see the simplest things like a favorite book, a utility bill, a shopping list, or a prescription label, can see those things normally again for the first time in a long time after using a hand-held magnifying glass or other vision-enhancing tool.

These nine area people can once again read entire books, thumb through old family photo albums, and regain some independence lost when others had to do the simplest chores for them.

The amazing transformation of hope can be seen beaming from their faces as they sit comfortably in front of their new vision magnifier for the first time, beginning to realize all the visual things they can do again.

When a Lion member witnesses this transformation firsthand, it is not unlike watching a child who hears for the first time. There are few words to describe that feeling either.

These nine people in the Freeport IL area represent a tiny portion of what Lions do on an international level for visually-impaired and hearing-impaired people of all ages. But these nine are every bit as important as the millions continually served by Lions on a daily basis around the world.

If you know someone who struggles with the simplest tasks because of their low vision condition, contact the Lions Joe Serafini (815) 275-8737 or Terry Anderson (815) 566-7977 for assistance.

2017 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED

Official Release: 

Freeport Lions Member Terry Anderson presented Freeport High School graduate Chad Foltz a $1,000.00 scholarship on May 18, 2017. The scholarship is presented to a high school graduate planning to attend Highland Community College following graduation. Chad was selected based on his qualities of service, dependability, academic achievement, financial need, and an essay. Chad's parents are Phil and Lina Foltz of Freeport IL.

The Freeport Lions Club, established in 1936, is a non-profit service club assisting hearing- and sight-impaired persons, and supports appropriate community projects as well as other Lions programs at the local, state, national and international levels.

Freeport Lions Club meets in the evenings on the second and fourth Tuesday's every month at the Eagles Club. For more information or to attend a meeting as a guest, please contact Joe Serafini at (815) 235-9710 or Terry Anderson at (815) 235-0834.

Discover the Freeport Lions Club online at: http://freeportlionsclub.blogspot.com

Become Lions’ Facebook Friends at: https://www.facebook.com/FREEPORTLIONS