2026 -- H 8516

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS “EYEGLASS RECYCLING MONTH” IN

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Phillips, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Corvese,
Hull, Ajello, Fellela, Cortvriend, and Diaz

     Date Introduced: May 05, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation is a nonprofit organization

dedicated to assisting visually impaired persons by providing vision screenings, eyeglasses,

medical support, prosthetics, adaptive equipment, training, and recreational services designed to

improve quality of life throughout the State of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Founded in 1961 as the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, District

42, the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation is composed of representatives from Lions Clubs

across the State; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation carries out its mission of

supporting visually impaired persons through financial, material, social, developmental, and

rehabilitative assistance, with the goal of enhancing independence, accessibility, and quality of

life for individuals with vision loss in Rhode Island communities; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation administers a comprehensive

network of programs and services, including statewide vision pre-screenings in schools, day care

centers, and community settings, provision of eye examinations and eyeglasses for uninsured and

underserved individuals, support for low-vision and adaptive equipment services, operation of the

Abbie Frances Lawton Memorial Home Eye Clinic, and coordination of referrals for

ophthalmological and vision care services; and

     WHEREAS, The Foundation further supports recreational, educational, and

developmental programs for individuals who are visually impaired, including Camp Mauchatea

for youth, Visually Impaired Persons fishing tournaments, rowing and kayaking programs, VIP

golf instruction and tournaments, and other structured activities designed to promote

independence, mobility, and community engagement; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island communities, the Foundation collects used eyeglasses

through partnerships with Lions Clubs, eye care providers, schools, libraries, and community

collection sites for reuse and recycling; and

     WHEREAS, These collected eyeglasses are contributed to the global “Recycle for Sight”

initiative of Lions Clubs International, through which usable prescription and non-prescription

eyewear is processed at Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers, where it is sorted, cleaned, and

classified prior to being distributed through international vision missions to underserved

populations worldwide; and

     WHEREAS, Millions of people worldwide suffer from uncorrected refractive errors that

can be corrected with proper eyeglasses but lack access to basic vision care services; and

     WHEREAS, Lions volunteers and recycling centers play a critical role in reducing

landfill waste by repurposing usable eyeglasses and responsibly recycling unusable materials; and

     WHEREAS, Residents of Rhode Island are encouraged to donate unused eyeglasses

through local Lions Clubs, eye care providers, and community collection sites, thereby

contributing to a global humanitarian effort that restores sight and improves quality of life; and

     WHEREAS, Designating May 2026 as “Eyeglass Recycling Month” will promote

awareness of vision health, environmental responsibility, and charitable service throughout the

State of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of the State of Rhode Island hereby designates the month

of May 2026 as “Eyeglass Recycling Month” in the State of Rhode Island, and encourages

residents to support the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and local Lions Clubs by donating

used eyeglasses and participating in community collection efforts; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and to

Lions Clubs International.

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