What happens to your eyeglass/hearing aid donations?

The glasses collected locally are processed in New Jersey where the glasses are cleaned and calibrated. Both Lion-sponsored and independent eye-care missions to developing countries then take boxes of glasses which have been calibrated and labeled by prescription to the host country.  Once an on-site eye exam is conducted, the patient is fitted with a pair of glasses which closest meets the required prescription.  Last year Hartford and Litchfield Counties collected nearly 30,000 pairs of prescription glasses.  Non-prescription sunglasses are also collected for use by medical missions performing cataract surgery and to help prevent cataract formation by exposure to ultraviolet rays in geographical areas where this is a primary cause for cataract conditions.
Used hearing aids are collected and refurbished where possible.  The Lions have contacts with hearing technicians who test hearing levels and can provide free hearing aids to those clients in need and who have financial hardship.

The Harwinton Lions Club’s scholarship committee has awarded:

The Bronc Callahan Scholarship to Andrew Wright, who will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall, pursuing a degree in civil engineering.Wright has been an active member of many clubs and sports at Lewis S.Mills High School. He served as captain of both the indoor and outdoor track and field teams in his senior year.