Support the Maryville Lions Club in Collecting Used Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids for Blount County Residents
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Vision is one of the most important senses, yet many people in Blount County struggle with poor eyesight due to lack of access to proper eyewear. The Maryville Lions Club is working to change that by collecting used eyeglasses at several convenient locations throughout the county. This effort helps provide affordable vision care to residents who need it most. Here’s how you can support this valuable community initiative and make a difference in someone’s life.
Why Collecting Used Eyeglasses Matters
Millions of people worldwide suffer from vision problems that could be corrected with a simple pair of glasses. In Blount County, many residents face financial barriers that prevent them from getting the eyewear they need. The Maryville Lions Club collects used eyeglasses to help bridge this gap. These glasses are cleaned, sorted, and reading glasses are distributed to individuals who cannot afford new pairs. Other prescription glasses are donated for various mission trips or recycled for the metal. The small stipend received back is used toward the Maryville Lions Club vision preservation initiatives.
Providing eyeglasses improves quality of life by enabling people to read, work, and navigate their environment safely. For children, clear vision supports better learning and school performance. For adults, it can mean the difference between employment and unemployment. The Lions Club’s program addresses a critical health and social need in the community.
How the Maryville Lions Club Collects Eyeglasses
The club has set up multiple collection points across Blount County to make donating easy and accessible. Below is a list of the locations where eyeglasses are currently collected from:
Donors can drop off their used eyeglasses at any of these sites during regular hours. The club accepts all types of prescription glasses, reading glasses, and even sunglasses in good condition.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Maryville Lions Club’s eyeglass collection program is simple and rewarding. Here are some ways to get involved:
Donate your used eyeglasses or hearing aids – Check the list of collection locations and drop off any glasses or hearing aids you no longer need.
Spread the word – Tell friends, family, and coworkers about the program to increase donations.
Host a collection event – Partner with the club to set up a temporary drop-off point at your workplace, school, or church.
Every contribution helps expand the reach of this program and improves vision for more people in Blount County.
Real Stories of Impact
The difference made by donated eyeglasses is clear in the stories of those helped. For example
A local student who struggled to read textbooks now excels in class thanks to a pair of glasses from the Lions Club.
An elderly resident regained independence and confidence after receiving prescription glasses, allowing them to drive and shop safely again.
These examples show how a simple donation can transform lives and strengthen the community.
The Broader Impact on Blount County
The Maryville Lions Club’s eyeglass collection program contributes to a healthier, more productive community. Improved vision supports education, employment, and safety for residents of all ages. It also reduces the burden on local health services by preventing vision-related accidents and complications.
By participating in this program, you help build a stronger Blount County where everyone has the chance to see clearly and live fully.
Collection of Hearing aids
The Maryville Lions Club also collects hearing aids and takes them to the Hearing and Speech Foundation in Maryville for refurbishing/repurposing. You can drop off your hearing aids at the same eyeglass recycling locations.
East TN Lions District 12N has a hearing aid program to assist those in need. There is a comprehensive application to be completed but an individual may be able to receive hearing aids at a much reduced cost. For further information please contact us through the form on this website or by sending an email to maryvillelions@gmail.com.