Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH
BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) recently donated more than 400 eyeglass frames—valued at approximately $55,250, to the Woodville Lions Club in support of the “Lions Recycle for Sight” program, a global initiative that provides vision resources to individuals in developing countries.
The donated frames will be sent to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Rosholt, Wisconsin, home of the Wisconsin Lions Camp. From there, Lions Club members and other volunteer organizations will distribute them to people in need around the world.
“In most developing countries, eye care is either unaffordable or inaccessible,” said Jim Wickboldt, a representative from Lions Recycle for Sight. “An eye exam can cost as much as one month’s wages, and a single eye doctor may serve a community of hundreds of thousands of people. And for many, poor eyesight that is left uncorrected can lead to unemployment for adults and a child’s inability to attend school. By taking the time to give us your glasses, you will help improve the life of someone in need.”
Western Wisconsin Health’s Lead Optician, Trina Hager, emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one. “We are proud to support the Woodville Lions Club in their efforts both globally and locally. Their dedication to improving vision, whether it’s testing eyesight in our local schools or distributing glasses across the globe, has a profound and lasting impact.”
Woodville Lions Club President Logan Jacobson expressed gratitude for the generous contribution. “We are incredibly thankful to Western Wisconsin Health for this remarkable donation. These frames will make a world of difference to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to proper eye care. It’s partnerships like this that allow us to extend our mission and reach more individuals in need, both here at home and across the world. The Lions mission is: ‘We serve!”
The Woodville Lions Club continues to be actively involved in providing vision screenings in area schools and supporting various community-based programs aimed at improving health and quality of life.
For more information about the Lions Recycle for Sight program or to learn how you can donate, visit www.lionsclubs.org.
