BEDFORD — In a remarkable display of community service, the Lions Clubs of Lawrence County have reached a historic milestone in their mission to improve global vision and hearing. Local organizers announced this week that the combined efforts of four area clubs have successfully collected more than 96,000 pairs of used eyeglasses and 1,790 hearing aids.
Since the project’s inception in 1980, these unwanted “specs and aids”often left forgotten in home junk drawers have been transformed into life-changing tools for the underprivileged.
The recycling initiative began 46 years ago with the Bedford Lions Club. Since then, three other regional clubs have joined the cause, each contributing significantly to the total impact:
- Bedford Lions Club (Est. 1980): 73,396 eyeglasses; 971 hearing aids.
- Bedford Noon Lions Club (Est. 2002): 13,706 eyeglasses; 689 hearing aids.
- Mitchell Lions Club (Est. 2006): 6,718 eyeglasses; 78 hearing aids.
- Fayetteville Community Lions Club (Est. 2010): 2,950 eyeglasses; 59 hearing aids.
Once collected, the items are transported to the Indiana Lions State Office Building in Indianapolis. From there, eyeglasses are repaired and distributed at no cost to developing countries, while hearing aids are refurbished through the Lions Club Loaner Program to assist needy residents, specifically within Indiana.
Lions Club members expressed deep gratitude to the local businesses, churches, and medical offices that host collection boxes. Residents can drop off their donations at any of the following locations:
In Bedford
- Medical & Eye Care: IU Health Bedford Hospital (and Medical Office Bldg.), Walmart Vision Center, Rope Optometry, Smoot Eye Care, Atchison Eyecare, Dr. Drew Davis Ophthalmology, and Precision Eye Group.+4
- Churches: Central Church of Christ, Englewood Baptist, First Baptist, First Christian, First United Methodist, and Free Methodist.
- Public Offices & Banks: Lawrence County Courthouse, Bedford Public Library, Chase Bank, Crane Credit Union, and the Chamber of Commerce.+2
In Mitchell and Fayetteville
- Mitchell: American Legion Post #250, Mitchell Community Public Library, Ace Hardware, Mitchell Optical Company, and Insights Optical.
- Fayetteville: Day & Carter Mortuary and the Fayetteville Lions Club Ballpark Barn.
Organizers emphasize that “simply donating these old specs” can fundamentally change the quality of life for someone in need. If you cannot visit a drop-off box, you may drop off your items directly with any local Lions Club member.
