For more than 70 years, Lions Clubs around the world have been collecting, cleaning, refurbishing, and distributing used eyeglasses to those in need. Locally, the Linda Lions Club has embraced this mission, bringing the international Lions Recycle for Sight program to the Yuba-Sutter community and beyond.
Each year, the Linda Lions Club collects and processes around 1,200 pairs of donated glasses, which are then sent to a center in San Francisco for sorting and refurbishing. From there, these glasses are distributed, either domestically or internationally, to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the vision correction they need. The Linda Lions Club also advocates locally for individuals who do not have access to vision care, due to financial or circumstantial constraints.
“It’s a simple gesture with a massive ripple effect,” said John Nicoletti, a ten year member of the Linda Lions Club. “Whether someone’s trying to read, work, or just navigate their world, being able to see clearly is life changing.”
The program is entirely free for recipients. Glasses can be donated year-round, and anyone interested can drop them off at designated collection sites or connect directly with the club. The Linda Lions meet at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Marysville on the first and third Tuesday of each month, where community members are always welcome to join or learn more.
Beyond vision care, the Linda Lions have expanded their reach through meaningful local partnerships. From joint concession booths at the fair with Habitat for Humanity to large-scale holiday efforts that provide meals, gifts, and decorations to hundreds of families, the club is a testament to what community service can look like.
The impact of their work is deeply personal. One story that stood out involved a 12-year-old girl and her Spanish-speaking mother. Her mother was struggling to access eye care due to a language barrier, requiring her daughter to act as a translator. The club stepped in and personally escorted them to Peachtree Health to ensure she received the help she needed. “They were blown away that someone would even try,” Mr. Nicoletti shared. “We said, ‘No this isn’t going to be a barrier.’”
Compassion and service is what drives the Linda Lions Club. Whether they’re delivering eyeglasses, meals, or holiday cheer, their message is clear: no one should go without simply because they can’t afford it.
Have a pair of old eyeglasses lying around? Don’t toss them, donate them! The Linda Lions Club accepts donations year-round at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located at 202 D Street in Marysville. Drop off your glasses Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and help someone in need see the world more clearly. One simple act can make a lasting difference.
