Tax collector partnering with local Lions Clubs to collect glasses in September

Anyone may drop off ‘gently used’ or unwanted prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses and non-prescription sunglasses at Tax Collector Service Centers

Image courtesy Lions Clubs

Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates has announced a partnership with area Lions Clubs in support of their Recycle for Sight glasses-collection program.

“Throughout September, all Tax Collector Service Centers will have collection containers for gently used or unwanted prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses and non-prescription sunglasses,” a news release explains. Donations of plastic and metal eyeglass frames and cases also will be accepted, the release adds.

“In just about any drawer or closet, one might find a pair of glasses that are no longer being used,” said Ford-Coates in the release. “That same pair of glasses can improve the quality of life for children and adults with impaired vision, but only if you donate,” she added.

For more than 80 years, Lions have collected, sorted and distributed eyeglasses to millions who are visually impaired because of uncorrected vision problems, the release explains.

Anyone may stop in at a Sarasota County Tax Collector Service Center Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and drop off unwanted glasses, the release points out.

The service center locations are as follows:

  • Downtown Sarasota — 101 S. Washington Blvd. (entrance on Adams Lane).
  • Mid-County — 6100 Sawyer Loop Road (west of Interstate 75 and just south of Clark Road).
  • Venice — 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, in the R.L. Anderson Administration Center.

In North Port, donations may be dropped off at the City Hall Service Center on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the release notes.