Category Archives: Giving Tips

Eyeglass Recycling Month

12 Thursday Apr 2018

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It seems that in just about every household, you’ll likely find a pair of eyeglasses that areLERC no longer being used as prescriptions change annually, and styles are always evolving. If you have a pair of glasses lying around, there’s no better time to get a jumpstart on spring-cleaning by donating your lenses.

On January 30, 2018, Governor Scott Walker declared April as Eyeglass Recycling Month in Wisconsin. Since the 1950s, Wisconsin Lions have been collecting and donating used glasses. It was until 1994 that a matching grant from Lions Club International Foundation helped establish the Eyeglass Recycling Center right here in Rosholt. Our ERC is one of 17 such facilities found worldwide.

Approximately 800,000 used glasses are received each year. Upon arrival, each pair is visually inspected and cleaned; the prescription is then read with specialized equipment and categorized, packaged, labeled, sorted, boxed and put into inventory.

The available inventory is approximately 125,000 pair of glasses, which are provided to Vision Mission projects to developing countries. Some mission groups included Lions, of course, but there are many others out there including vision professionals.

The need for eyeglasses is more significant than you might think. Millions of people around the world need glasses to see clearly, but many developing countries lack the resources to manufacture quality lenses. People are known to walk miles to get their eyeglasses so you can rest assured that your pair can make a difference.

If you’d like to donate your eyeglasses, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • The most useable glasses are those with intact frames and undamaged lenses.
  • Cases are not mandatory but can be useful to avoid damage during transit.
  • Sunglasses are also received and can be beneficial for people living in hot climates.
  • Children’s glasses are always desirable.

Eyeglasses that you wish to donate can be dropped off in Lions Collection boxes. To find a collection box near you, please contact your local Lions Club. Eyeglasses can also be mailed directly to the Eyeglass Recycling Center:

WILERC
3834 County Rd A
Rosholt, WI 54473

Use the month of April as an opportunity to connect with friends and family to see if they also have unused glasses available. You might be surprised to see how many pairs you can collect with only a bit of effort.

Whereas, Wisconsin Lions strive to make a difference in the lives of people in need throughout the world; now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, that the legislature hereby proclaims April 2018 as Wisconsin Eyeglass Recycling Month.

Lions Pride encourages working together to change the lives of people all over the world, one pair at a time. Happy Eyeglass Recycling Month!

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Keep Your New Year’s Resolution in 2018

28 Thursday Dec 2017

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In less than 72 hours, we will be closing the chapter of 2017, and starting a new one. Are New Year 2018you ready to make it the best year ever? Today, we’re talking about New Year Resolutions – and although they might not be anyone’s favorite topic, they do get a lot of attention.

Believe it or not, nearly half of all Americans (approximately 40 percent) of American adults make one or more resolutions, but very few stick with them all year round. In fact, the odds are against us! According to U.S. News, approximately 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of February. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try at all. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you work to improve yourself in 2018:

  • Get your resolutions down on paper (or on a computer screen)

Go grab your notebook and write down your resolutions. Studies show that those who write down their goals are more likely to succeed when compared to those did not. The act of writing forces you to brainstorm a plan and motivate you to take action. Find out all of the reasons why you should commit your goals to writing.

  • Talk to family or friends

When we keep our resolutions to ourselves, we don’t have anyone to hold us accountable. Sit down and talk to your inner circle about your self-improvement goals, and ask them to be your accountability partners. There may even be someone who shares the same goal, allowing both to work as motivators. Change always seems easier when there’s available support.

  • Make only one change at a time

The New Year is a blank slate that allows us to become the people we’d like to be. Although it may sound counterintuitive, more resolutions will not make us more productive; it actually hinders performance. Rather than deciding to change too many bad habits all at once – like lose weight, save more money and stop smoking, start with just one, and work up to the others.

  • Take small steps

Resolutions are always challenging, and for a good reason – if it were easy, we probably wouldn’t have to make them in the first place. One of the most significant obstacles to a new goal is getting over the initial overwhelming feeling of a broad and seemingly impossible goal. After writing down your goal, put small steps into place that help you turn your goal into action.

Remember that all resolutions begin with a decision to make a change. If you want to make 2018 the year that you change your life for the better, start the New Year with a strategic plan. We know you can do it!

It’s always bittersweet moving on from one year to the next. There’s no question in our minds we’re have had an incredible 362 days, but we’re ready to see what the future has in store for us. The Lions Pride office will be closed for the remainder in observance of the New Year. We’re looking forward to seeing you in 2018!

P.S. Are you resolving to support Lions Pride or your favorite charity more in 2018? Find out how you can simplify your giving with automatic monthly donations.

Happy New Year!

Our Role as Santa

21 Thursday Dec 2017

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Let’s play a game. Imagine you are six years old and it is December 21, 19XX (you fill in Magic Santathe blank), can you remember how you felt this time of year? Let’s see if our description matches your imagination: you knew that Christmas was only days away, so you were on your best behavior because Santa was watching. As December 25 crept closer and closer, you could hardly contain your excitement. Soon enough, Christmas Eve would arrive. You would put out some milk and cookies, brush your teeth and get to bed quickly – only to spend the night watching the clock. You just couldn’t wait for Christmas Day.

Sadly, as adults, the magic of Christmas seems to fade a little more each year. Santa no longer represents a symbol of joy and the celebration just becomes a season of more obligations. Fortunately, the magic does begin to reappear as we have children of our own, but then our roles change from excited child to excited parent. We also spend December 24 making preparations and barely sleeping because we are too anxious to watch our children eagerly open their gifts. We have come to discover a different kind of magic – the magic of giving. But again the cycle continues as our children grow, and the sense of wonder begins to disappear.

Luckily, as supporters of Lions Pride, we are in somewhat of a unique position. All supporters of Lions Pride get to play the part of Santa all year round. How? By giving children from all over the state of Wisconsin the gift of experience. In 2017, over 150 special children were given the opportunity to have the week of their lives out in the woods with kids just like them. They were able to sleep in cabins, roast marshmallows, learn archery, swim laps in Lions Lake and enjoy everything nature has to offer. Of course, they were also able to develop self-confidence, interdependence, social skills and outdoor recreational skills – all at no cost to their families.

The gift may not be beautifully wrapped under a bright, full tree, but we know in our hearts that it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long. And none of these accomplishments would be possible without the help of you. Our donors are the lifeblood of our organization and we never tire of saying thank you for your support. Although our biological children may be grown, we look forward to playing Santa for many years to come. Thank you for helping us carry out our mission to preserve, provide and protect Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects.

The Lions Pride office will be closed the week of December 25, to celebrate Christmas with our families. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!

Celebrate the Season of Giving with St. Nick

07 Thursday Dec 2017

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While we may not have any white, fluffy snow on the ground (as ofStockings Were Hung writing), there is no question that the holiday season has arrived. Yesterday was the celebration of St. Nicholas. Although the holiday is a popular one in Europe, the day isn’t widely celebrated here in the United States, and we think it’s time to change that!

The story of St. Nick goes back to 4th century Greece. Nicholas of Myra officiated as a bishop after dedicating his life to giving to others. Sadly, his parents died in an epidemic when he was young. With his extensive inheritance, Nicholas decided to use his wealth to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. Today, children leave out stockings or shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas and awake to find them filled with small gifts and trinkets. Of course, there is always the possibility that those who have been naughty will find nothing more than a lump of coal.

We may have missed the official holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate the true meaning behind the season – focusing on giving more than receiving. Sometime in December, consider surprising your loved one by filling his or her stocking with fun, little gifts. There are endless possibilities for stocking stuffers – candy, jewelry, small toys, soap, notebooks, key chains and more. You can also include other intangible gifts such as a donation to their favorite charity in their honor.

By choosing to make a gift to Lions Pride, you can help us work to continue improving the lives of people all around Wisconsin. Your donation can help preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects – including eyeglass recycling, adult and children’s vision screening, diabetes education and more. If there is a project that is especially important to you or your loved one, simply designate the gift, and you can rest assured knowing that you’re helping the cause. Print the certificate and add it a stocking for a powerful gift that also gives back.

Together, we can all embody the spirit of St. Nicholas by remembering to include compassion and charity in our daily lives. After all, isn’t that the reason behind the season?

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride!

 

Support Pride With Your Holiday Shopping

30 Thursday Nov 2017

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Thanksgiving has officially come and gone, do you know what that means? The holiday shopping season has arrived and coming in at full force. Although Americans took advantage of cyber savings and rock-bottom in-store promotions over the weekend, many of us will take the majority of the next month to complete our holiday shopping.

While you are making your list and checking it twice, you can support Lions Pride with all of your online shopping without spending any more than you anticipated. How might you ask? By using Goodshop or Amazon Smile. Here’s how you can get started today:

Goodshop

Goodshop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. Whenever you make a purchase with Goodshop, a percentage of your sale is donated to your charity of choice.

Goodshop helps you find coupons and deals with businesses all over the web. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money. The funds to operate Goodshop come from advertisers, so there is no cost for you to sign up.

Goodshop

Getting started is easy! Simply visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride.” Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.” After initial setup, you can choose your favorite stores, and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale. Is there anything better than easy shopping?

Amazon Smile

Whether or not you are a frequent online shopper, you are more than likely more than familiar with Amazon. Where else on the internet can you get a New York best-selling novel, landscaping pipe drain, four-pack of wool socks and gift for your brother-in-law all in one shipment? Now, you can support Lions Pride with all of your random, online shopping trips.

Amazon Smile

Each time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates half a percentage of your purchase price to Lions Pride. Keep in mind that you will need to start at smile.amazon.com every time you shop to support your favorite charity. When you shop, Amazon gives. Bookmark it today!

Whether you decide to use Goodshop to find the best online offers or prefer to get everything all in one place with Amazon Smile, we hope you’ll consider choosing Lions Pride as your charity of choice. Together, you can help us ensure the future of Wisconsin Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects. Every online purchase can help us make a difference in the lives of people all around the state of Wisconsin.

Thank you for your continued support, and happy shopping!

 

 

Sweetest Day – Then and Now

19 Thursday Oct 2017

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Do you ever feel like some holidays were created merely to benefit the greeting card Sweetest Day Chocolateindustry? Yes, we’re talking to you, Valentine’s Day, Boss’s Day and Grandparents Day. Well, we’re here to tell you that the next holiday – Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 21, 2017 – may fall into the same category, but it truly has a delightful message.

The holiday began back in early 20th Century as Candy Day. According to Hallmark, legends say the day was established by Herbert Birch Kingston, a candy store employee who wanted to spread happiness to people who were feeling forgotten. He recruited a team, went out and began distributing candy to orphans, shut-ins and others to show them that some cared.

As time went on, celebrities started joining in on the act, and the holiday broadened to include loved ones, coworkers and friends. Today, observance of Sweetest Day is still the most popular in the Midwest due to its origination.

How should you observe the upcoming holiday? Well, you could surprise your sweetheart with a box of their favorite candy, but there other “healthier” ways to celebrate:

  1. Write a heartfelt letter (or email)

In the last decade or so, it seems that we have lost the art of letter writing. Show someone you care by crafting a heartfelt letter. Of course, you could always send an email if you’re looking for a quicker way to display your affection; but we can guarantee that a handwritten letter is bound to put a smile on your recipient’s face.

  1. Send flowers

Did you know that aside from being pretty, fresh cut flowers and plants have numerous health benefits? Flowers have the ability to give someone an instant mood boost and aid in both memory and concentration. If your loved one has been feeling stressed at work, you can provide them support with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

  1. Donate in their honor

As you likely already know, nonprofit organizations thrive with the support of their loyal donors. After all, funds are the lifeblood of any nonprofit as it helps them spread their message and make a difference in their communities. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider donating to your recipient’s favorite organization in their name. When you make a honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’re happy to mail an acknowledgement card to your loved one or their family. Together, you and your sweetheart can create a legacy that will last for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

While the holiday may have begun with candy and sweets in mind, it has truly become a day to do small things with great love. Remember, it’s the thought that counts! How do you plan to celebrate?

Happy Sweetest Day from Lions Pride!

Lions Work to Help the Victims of Hurricane Harvey

31 Thursday Aug 2017

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We are days away from a holiday weekend, but not everyone will be celebrating happily. As you already know Hurricane Harvey first reached the Houston metropolis last Friday, but residents in both Texas and Louisiana are still feeling its wrath nearly a week later.

Harvey is the first Category 4 hurricane to hit the continental United States since Hurricane Charley in 2004. The tropical storm made is second appearance yesterday morning, and the weather conditions do not seem to be improving as of writing.

Several parts of Houston set a record for rainfall in a single storm; the top reading showing 51.88 inches (as of Tuesday afternoon.) A resident meteorologist reported that 25 to 30 percent of Harris County is under water. At this point, local officials have confirmed 30 flood-related deaths.

The Insurance Information Institute has stated to Fox Business that damages could end up matching the $15 billion caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In a recent statement made by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the city’s focus “will continue to be on rescue” and not damage assessment.

Lions Clubs International Foundation has responded with an emergency catastrophe grant of $100,000. The grant will allow Lions in the area to provide life-saving supplies of food, water, blankets and other necessities. Please consider donating to the Lions Club International Foundation to help further their efforts on helping communities in need. We never know when or where disaster will strike, but LCIF emergency and major catastrophe grants enable local Lions to respond at a moment’s notice.

As you celebrate Labor Day weekend, the Lions Pride staff and board ask you to keep all of the families affected by this catastrophe in your thoughts and prayers. Many Texas and Louisiana lives will be changed after this event and will be in need of much support.

End of the Summer Bucket List

24 Thursday Aug 2017

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The end of the summer is quickly winding down. We’re not sure where June, July Bonfireand August went, but we don’t have much time to left to take advantage of the beautiful Wisconsin weather. But you can complete the unofficial summer season on a high note by accomplishing the following bucket list:

  • Take a hike at a state park
  • Roast a marshmallow and make a s’more
  • Throw out a line at your favorite river or lake
  • Catch a ballgame
  • Watch a sunrise or sunset (your preference!)
  • Host a summer cookout with family and friends
  • Visit a state fair and indulge in a deep-fried goody
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the lush, green grass
  • Remember Lions Pride

All good things must come to an end, right? If we had summer all year round, we definitely wouldn’t appreciate the beautiful weather like we do now. Just keep in mind; it will be back again this time next year.

What items have you already checked off your bucket list, and what else would you still like to complete? The clock is ticking, but there is still time to have the best summer ever! From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you a happy end of the summer!

Centennial Eyeglass Challenge Travels to Green Bay

20 Thursday Apr 2017

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Centennial Eyelgass Challenge

Who’s ready for some… eyeglass recycling? If you’ve been following the Wisconsin Lions Centennial Challenge, then you already know that Lions are on a mission to collect used eyeglasses and deliver them for processing at the Eyeglass Recycling Center, here in Rosholt. But what you might not know is that the goal has increased.

Previously, Wisconsin Lions were aiming to collect 100,000 pairs of glasses (in honor of the Lions 100th year) from October 1 to May 6, but the goal has recently been updated to 250,000 pairs. If you have an extra pair of used eyeglasses sitting around the house, you can help us hit the target!

Eyeglasses can be donated in a couple of different ways:

  1. By donating to a local club. Many clubs are participating in area eyeglass recycling and will then deliver or shipped directly to the recycling center.
  2. By catching the WLF trailer during the Centennial Bus Tour. There are only 17 more stops left on the tour. You will likely see the trailer in area grocery stores, retailers and one other in fairly well known location to football fans in Green Bay – Lambeau Field Parking Lot.

    If you’ve been looking for an excuse to take a road trip to see the Packers Hall of Fame, you’ve got one. The WLF trailer will be parked in the Lambeau Field parking lot on Thursday, April 27, from 9 am to 3 pm. Consider donating your used glasses and then exploring Green Bay at your leisure.

    Can’t make it next week? Check out the rest of the Eyeglass Tour locations here.

Time is running out. The Centennial Eyeglass Challenge ends on Saturday, May 6. Keep in mind that all glasses will be sorted, cleaned and categorized before being distributed to someone in need; whether your eyeglasses are dirty, broken or a season behind in the fashion world, or look as good as new, we want them all.

Your pair of eyeglasses may be the pair that allows a father to improve the life of his family or helps a child to see and learn. Consider donating yours today!

Give the Gift of Blood This January

05 Thursday Jan 2017

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When you think about the month of January, american-red-cross-lions-clubyou likely think about one or more of the following topics: staying warm on cold winter days, making (and possibly breaking!) New Year’s Resolutions or celebrating the life of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., on the anniversary of his birth. While these are all common themes, you may have missed another important occasion – National Blood Donor Month.

Since 1970, the first month of the year has been designated as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and for a good reason. As you know, January is a bit of an unusual month, it is a time for getting back into normal routines after holiday celebrations and hibernating in our warm, cozy homes, which is why blood donors are typically in short supply. The American Red Cross has taken advantage of this opportunity by encouraging adults of all ages to consider becoming blood donors.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood. Just imagine in the time you have taken to read this post, 15 people will have needed the gift of blood. Unfortunately, although an estimated 38 percent of the country’s population is eligible to give blood at any given time, less than 10 percent actually donate. Who’s ready to change that number?

If you’ve never donated blood before you might think the process for getting started may be difficult, but becoming a donor is quite simple. Just follow this easy 5-step process:

  1. Find a blood drive.
    Blood drives are happening all over the state, but you can find one nearest to you by visiting the American Red Cross Blood Drive Locator.
  2. Register
    On the day of your blood donation, you will register with staff and volunteers to review your eligibility and donation information. Be sure to bring a government-issued ID. Other photo IDs are also accepted.
  3. Review medical history
    After checking in, you will receive a mini physical from a registered technician who will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. He or she will also ask you about travel and medical history in a private setting.
  4. Donate
    Next, it’s time for the blood donation. Estimated time is between 8 and 10 minutes.
  5. Enjoy refreshments
    After donating, you will have the chance to raise your blood sugar back up to normal settings with a snack or beverage. (Who isn’t always looking for a valid excuse to enjoy a cookie?)

And that’s all there is to it! Most donors will be in and out in under an hour, and their donation can help up to 3 people. How often can you make a difference like that?

This January, think about taking some time out of your busy schedule to become a blood donor. Although it may be a simple task, it’s one that definitely should never be discounted. Thank you so much for your consideration, and for the gift of blood.

Happy National Blood Donor Month from Lions Pride!