LAPLACE – In just about any dresser drawer, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person’s life.

With the motto ‘”Old glasses give new life” in mind, the LaPlace Lions Club set up a collection box. To date, the LaPlace Lions Club has had over 5,000 pairs of glasses donated.

The LaPlace Lions Club collects used prescription eyeglasses and prescription and nonprescription sunglasses as part of a unique recycling program. The collected glasses are cleaned and prepared for distribution in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and inaccessible.

“We believe in the gift of sight,” said Lion Club member Melynie Wright. “An old pair of eyeglasses to one person is a new view of the world for someone else.”

Lion Club member Andy Ryan explained how the program has become so successful. “A lot of people are saving old eyeglasses just because they don’t know what to do with them. They are expensive, and people feel guilty about tossing them in the trash can. But this Lion’s program puts them to good use. Many people would have to do without vision care if not for this program.”

Each year, Lions Clubs collect more than 4 million pairs of eyeglasses. Lions volunteer their time and services to prepare the eyeglasses for distribution, cleaning and classifying each pair by prescription. Optical missions, sponsored by Lions Clubs and other groups, distribute the donated eyeglasses to visually-impaired people throughout the world, in accordance with local laws.

To donate used glasses — including sunglasses and reading glasses — place them in the specially marked “Lions Recycle For Sight” collection box located in front of the CVS Pharmacy at 1500 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, at the corner of Airline Highway and Carrollwood Drive.

The LaPlace Lions Club has over 70 members and meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Italian Pie in LaPlace. For more information, eyesight assistance or to get involved with the LaPlace Lions Club, contact LaPlace Lions Club President Christy Duhe.