In observance of Helen Keller Day, the Williston Korner Lions will be collecting used prescription eyeglasses and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Economart.
Becky Rhodes, chair for the Helen Keller Day Project Committee, said the collected glasses will be cleaned and prepared for distribution in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and unaccessible.
"We need everyone to donate their used eye glasses," she said. "In most developing countries, an eye exam can cost as much as one month's wages and a single eye doctor may serve a community of hundreds and thousands of people."
In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." In her honor, Williston Korner Lions will be collecting prescription eye glasses and sun glasses as part of their sight conservation efforts. "I am really looking forward to everybody who will participate in this eye glass recycling project. It's a small part in a worldwide effort," Rhodes said.
In 2007, the effort brought in nearly 300 glasses from the Williston Basin.
Rhodes urges people to be generous again this year. "All we're asking is that they clean out their closets and get their old glasses out. They will be put to good use," she said. She added those who cannot make it to Economart before 4 p.m. Saturday may also donate the glasses off at permanent drop-off boxes at the Airport International Inn or the Upper Missouri District Health Unit.
"It's a worthwhile project. It's a great way to help people without spending a lot of money," Rhodes commented.
She said thousands of people worldwide have benefited from the project because of the efforts of multiple members of Lions Club International around the globe.
The Korner Lions Club has 38 members and meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Airport International Inn.
For more information about the club or how you can help in sight-related causes, call Bill Christensen at 572-6424.
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