Lions event trades tasty treat for glasses donations

Thanks to an event hosted by the Cadott Lions Club, community members can help others and get a treat for themselves.

The club is holding an Eye Glasses and Burgers event, Friday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Cadott Lions Club pavilion in Riverview Park. People who donate a pair of prescription glasses they no longer need during the event, will receive a burger. It is limited to one free burger per person, though, if multiple family members bring glasses, they will each get a burger.

Barb Dulmes, Cadott Lions Club member, says a different Lions club held a similar event, and inspired the Cadott club to do the same.

“We thought that was a good way to raise awareness within our community, that the Lions do collect prescription glasses,” said Dulmes.

Since prescriptions can’t be shared within the United States, Dulmes says the glasses are sent to third world countries or American Indian reservations, to people who would not otherwise be able to afford them.

“If they can’t use the frames, they can use the precious metals,” said Dulmes. “And those precious metals are then used to help support our hearing aid program, for people who can’t afford to get their own hearing aids.”

Dulmes says the eyeglasses help a lot of different people. She says those in prison are even granted work opportunities through the program, including some people at the Stanley Correctional Institution. They use a machine to read the prescriptions on the glasses.

“It’s kind of a win-win, all the way around,” said Dulmes.

Those who do not have glasses to donate, are welcome to come and purchase burgers. Funds from those who buy food during the event, will go toward other community activities.

Those who cannot make the event, but would still like to donate prescription glasses to the cause, can drop them off at DJ’s Mart in the yellow mailbox outside the building, at any time.