Aug. 1, 2006 - Donate Glasses at Free County 4-H Fair

August 1, 2006

Office for the Disabled
 to Collect Used Eyeglasses at 4-H Fair

BRIDGEWATER - The Somerset County Office for the Disabled invites visitors to this year’s Somerset County 4-H Fair (Aug. 16-18) to donate used eyeglasses again this year.  Eyeglasses for children are especially needed.   A collection box will be at the Office for the Disabled booth, located in the County Government main tent.

“Thanks to the generosity of visitors and county employees, three-hundred-plus pairs of eyeglasses were collected over a three-day period last year, when people visiting the annual Somerset County 4-H Fair brought donations to the county tent for this worthwhile collection,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Robert Zaborowski, human services liaison.  “Without a doubt, the gift of improved eyesight will make a tremendous difference in the lives of future recipients.”

New Eyes for the Needy of Short Hills will distribute the eyeglasses to people who are in desperate need of them.  The eyeglasses will be sent to medical missions and international charitable organizations around the globe.   Residents of the United States will be given vouchers, which they may use to purchase new prescription eyeglasses.

            In addition to prescription eyewear, the Office for the Disabled will be collecting nonprescription sunglasses and precious metal scraps, such as old watches, jewelry, silverware and hearing aides.   These items will be sold for their metal content to buy prescription lenses.

                  For further information, contact Office for the Disabled Coordinator Mark Malone at 908-704-6334.