Volunteer Project: Eyeglass Collection Drive
Here's looking at you, kid!
Submitted by
Kayla Chong
Kayla Chong
Did you know that there are approximately 1.4 million visually impaired kids living in developing nations who can't afford eyeglasses? Well, don't just sit there, do something about it! Help your kid organize an eyeglasses collection drive. It's an easy way to make a big impact on the world.
- Eyeglasses
- Collection project chairperson:Your kid, formerly known as the "What's for dessert?" chairperson
- Friends and neighbors:And anyone else willing to help with the effort
- Collection site:Like a post office, bank, religious organization's location or school
- Collection box:Or boxes, if your kid is thinking big and targeting more than one location
- Collection box poster:Something eye-catching!
- Markers
- Poster board:Neon is always good. Maybe not for clothing, but for an eye-catching poster it works.
- Shipping materials:Postage, padded envelope or box, tape, marker, etc.
Help your child contact a charity that can distribute the glasses to needy kids.
Lenscrafters accepts donations through their Gift of Sight program. They'll collect your used glasses and refurbish them. They have collection boxes at all Lenscrafters locations nationwide.
New Eyes for the Needy is an awesome organization that recycles donated eyeglasses to distribute to needy people both in America and overseas. They accept plastic eyeglasses or sunglasses in good condition, metal frames in any condition and pairs of prescription lenses.
The Lions Club sponsors eyeglass recycling centers in seven countries. Drop your collection off at a local Lion's Club branch and they'll do the rest.
Have your kid pick out a collection box. Any old box will do. The nicer looking it is, however, the more likely someone is to put it in their store.
Help him make a good-looking sign for his box. He can either create a sign with markers on a big piece of poster board, make one on the computer or if he's selected New Eyes for the Needy as his chosen charity, he can download a snazzy sign from their website and then decorate it.
Have your kid decide where he'd like to set out his collection box. The library, post office, bank or the cafeteria at his school are all good choices. Make sure he asks for permission before placing the box. Also, help him position the containers so that they're in high-traffic areas and are very visible.
Help him attach the sign and drop the box off at the chosen location.
Wait a week or so (have your kid decide on a time frame—no pun intended) before returning to the box.
Bring your kid to pick up the box (which will hopefully be overflowing with spectacles!) when the drive is over.- To beef up his collection, have your kid contact the Lost and Found departments at local hotels, stores, schools and police stations. Ask them if they have any unclaimed glasses to donate.
- Help your child carefully wrap the glasses up for shipping in padded envelopes or a box with cushy packing material and send or drop it off at the chosen location. Shipping and handling charges are tax deductible, so keep the receipt!
- Looking for other ways that your kid can help kids in need? How about baking a birthday cake for an underprivileged child or making hats for chemotherapy patients?
- Check out our ages and stages guide to volunteering opportunities.
Submit!
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