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H8516
2026 -- H 8516
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LC006401
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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
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation is a nonprofit organization
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dedicated to assisting visually impaired persons by providing vision screenings, eyeglasses,
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medical support, prosthetics, adaptive equipment, training, and recreational services designed to
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improve quality of life throughout the State of Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, Founded in 1961 as the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, District
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42, the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation is composed of representatives from Lions Clubs
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across the State; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation carries out its mission of
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supporting visually impaired persons through financial, material, social, developmental, and
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rehabilitative assistance, with the goal of enhancing independence, accessibility, and quality of
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life for individuals with vision loss in Rhode Island communities; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation administers a comprehensive
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network of programs and services, including statewide vision pre-screenings in schools, day care
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centers, and community settings, provision of eye examinations and eyeglasses for uninsured and
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underserved individuals, support for low-vision and adaptive equipment services, operation of the
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Abbie Frances Lawton Memorial Home Eye Clinic, and coordination of referrals for
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ophthalmological and vision care services; and
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WHEREAS, The Foundation further supports recreational, educational, and
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developmental programs for individuals who are visually impaired, including Camp Mauchatea
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for youth, Visually Impaired Persons fishing tournaments, rowing and kayaking programs, VIP
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golf instruction and tournaments, and other structured activities designed to promote
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independence, mobility, and community engagement; and
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WHEREAS, In Rhode Island communities, the Foundation collects used eyeglasses
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through partnerships with Lions Clubs, eye care providers, schools, libraries, and community
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collection sites for reuse and recycling; and
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WHEREAS, These collected eyeglasses are contributed to the global “Recycle for Sight”
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initiative of Lions Clubs International, through which usable prescription and non-prescription
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eyewear is processed at Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers, where it is sorted, cleaned, and
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classified prior to being distributed through international vision missions to underserved
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populations worldwide; and
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WHEREAS, Millions of people worldwide suffer from uncorrected refractive errors that
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can be corrected with proper eyeglasses but lack access to basic vision care services; and
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WHEREAS, Lions volunteers and recycling centers play a critical role in reducing
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landfill waste by repurposing usable eyeglasses and responsibly recycling unusable materials; and
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WHEREAS, Residents of Rhode Island are encouraged to donate unused eyeglasses
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through local Lions Clubs, eye care providers, and community collection sites, thereby
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contributing to a global humanitarian effort that restores sight and improves quality of life; and
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WHEREAS, Designating May 2026 as “Eyeglass Recycling Month” will promote
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awareness of vision health, environmental responsibility, and charitable service throughout the
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State of Rhode Island; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of the State of Rhode Island hereby designates the month
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of May 2026 as “Eyeglass Recycling Month” in the State of Rhode Island, and encourages
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residents to support the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and local Lions Clubs by donating
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used eyeglasses and participating in community collection efforts; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and to
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Lions Clubs International.
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