Lost Eyeglasses Find Meaningful Home in Developing Countries

September 2, 2009

Summary

Story

Pete von Reichbauer and Federal Way’s Noon Kiwanis present donated eyeglasses to third world countries in need.

Since 2001, Dr. John Jarstad of the Evergreen Eye Center, the Federal Way Kiwanis, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and King County Metro have partnered in helping bring sight to those who cannot afford eyeglasses in developing countries around the globe.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer presented over 1,000 eyeglasses donated by King County employees and collected from Metro’s over 30 day old lost and found.

“Hundreds of eyeglasses are lost on Metro buses each year,” said von Reichbauer King County Councilmember and past President of the Federal Way Kiwanis. “These eyeglasses are given a new life on the faces of people who need them the most and allow the Federal Way Kiwanis to make a global impact with their charitable efforts.”

The annual Save Old Spectacles (S.O.S.) program put on by Kiwanis clubs nation-wide is an ongoing program to provide people in third world countries with the gift of sight. von Reichbauer noted that the leader of this local drive, Dr. John Jarstad, has been involved in the program since 1993.

To donate old eyeglasses please contact the Federal Way Kiwanis at (253) 839-9207 or visit www.federalwaykiwanis.org.