Used Eyeglass Collections
Donation boxes for eyeglass recycling are available from the Foundation to place in local stores or to use at a Club or community function. When the boxes are full, they are picked up by local Lions members and dropped off at collection depots. The public can also support this program by donating used eyeglasses to your local Lions Club.
These recycled eyeglasses are given to people in need, with the help of various medical missionaries, in Central and South America and around the world. When the eyeglasses arrive in these countries, doctors and technicians conduct eye exams and provide a free pair of prescription eyeglasses that are as close as possible to that person’s sight needs.
Click here for our online donation form.
Please see the list of items that we will accept:
- Keys
- Key Fobs
- Wire
- Desktop ink cartridges
- Brass
- Eyeglasses – No glass cases or contact lenses, please
- Sunglasses
- Pop Tabs
- Cell Phones/Smart Phones/iPhones
- Hearing Aids
**We do not recycle Printer Toner or Christmas Lights**
We are asking that HEARING AID BATTERIES be donated throughout your local communities as we are aware of the need there. Some places to donate are Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Food Pantries, and Shelters.
When donating HEARING AIDS, please be sure to place them in a small box or hard-covered case so they do not get crushed or damaged. You can then place that smaller box into a larger one with other recyclable items.
We accept any type of CELL PHONE, old or new and working or broken. We do ask that you try your best to protect the screen when donating, as we prefer to receive them in the best possible condition.
Don’t forget to drop off old KEY FOBS. Place them in a separate box from any large amounts of keys so they do not get crushed.
Please keep INK CARTRIDGES in a separate sealed plastic bag as they may ruin other recyclables.
For any large donations or for items not listed, please contact the Foundation office by phone or email prior to dropping them off.
LIF Sneaker Recycling Campaign
The Lions of Illinois Foundation has teamed up with gotsneakers.com to collect used sneakers. By recycling these sneakers, we can generate funds to fuel our ongoing endeavors, including the Mobile Screening Unit and Camp Lions initiatives.
Gathering sneakers not only supports the Lions of Illinois Foundation but benefits our communities and the environment! It helps to keep sneakers out of landfills, minimizes the need to manufacture new shoes, and promotes the growth of a circular economy.
Click here to learn more about our Sneaker Recycling program.
Collection Boxes
Two sizes of containers for collecting recyclables are available upon request. Call the Lions of Illinois Foundation or send an email to LIFoffice@lifnd.org.
Please be sure to add your club’s contact information to the recycling box so the club can be contacted when the box is full. Suggested locations to place recycling containers include schools, business offices, vision clinics, audiology clinics, health clubs, local libraries, post offices, and any other high traffic areas.
A Lions member should check the container periodically so they can give the items to your district depots. Contact your district trustee if you need the location of your depot.
If you need a “Thank You letter” for tax purposes, please contact us at LIFoffice@lifnd.org.