For the ninth year in a row, students from Club Live
at Currie Middle School will be trick-or-treating
for used eyeglasses as part of “Sight Night,” a
national collection drive conducted annually by Give
the Gift of Sight, a family of charitable vision
care programs sponsored by the Lens Crafters
Foundation in conjunction with Lions Clubs
International.
The eyeglasses students
collect will be recycled and hand-delivered by
volunteers to people in developing countries who
can’t afford eyeglasses. They will also be given to
victims of natural disasters in the United States,
according to club advisor-teacher Helen McCabe.
“We hope we’ll have a big group of volunteers on
Sight Night. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy both
giving and receiving on Halloween,” said Currie
teacher Heidi Primeaux. “Our efforts will change
lives. Some of the people who receive these glasses
may not be able to work because of their poor
eyesight, and may never have seen their own
families’ faces clearly.”
According to the
World Health Organization, one-fourth of the world
needs corrective eyewear, but many people,
especially those in developing countries, do not
have access to it. Each year, Give the Gift of Sight
sponsors optical missions to developing countries
such as Mexico, Bolivia, Laos and Thailand. Victims
of Hurricane Katrina were also given glasses through
this program.
“Look for your used eyeglasses
and sunglasses in every nook and cranny of your home
or place of work,” said Ethel Nugent, another Club
Live advisor. “Sight Night volunteers may come to
your door looking for all types of prescription and
non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Children’s glasses are especially in need, as they
are in high demand but in short supply. Whether they
are big or small, fashionably ‘in’ or ‘out,’ your
glasses could change how someone in a developing
country sees the world.”
If the “ghouls and
boys” don’t make it to your house on Sight Night,
have no fear. Used eyeglasses for the program can be
dropped off at Currie Middle School, 1402 Sycamore
Ave, or the Tustin Unified School District Office,
300 South C St.
Last year, Currie students
collected over 195 pairs of glasses. Overall, they
have collected more than 1,100 pairs of glasses
during the past several years.
For more
information, call Currie School at (714) 730-7360.