Building upon its long-standing tradition of aiding the blind and visually impaired in local communities, in 1990 Lions Clubs International established SightFirst, an aggressive global blindness prevention initiative.

The unprecedented program joins leading blindness prevention experts, blindness prevention organizations, governments and Lion volunteers in an effort to establish long-term solutions in eliminating preventable and reversible blindness. Worldwide, SightFirst projects, funded by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), are developed to fill the gaps between what is being done and what needs to be done by targeting the leading causes of blindness affecting large regional populations.

LCIF is funding Focus on Sight .   Today, in addition to their international SightFirst program, Lions extend their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts.

Campaign SightFirst II is a coordinated, global fund-raising effort involving all 1.35 million Lions in more than 45,000 clubs to raise US$150 million for the SightFirst program. It is conducted by Lions Clubs International Foundation, the grant-making arm of the International Association of Lions Clubs.

In a comprehensive, worldwide feasibility study in 2004 an overwhelming number of Lions said that they wanted SightFirst to continue and would participate in a fund raising effort to make that a reality. Eighty-four percent of Lions questioned responded positively to the proposed campaign.

CSFII was endorsed by the Board of Directors in July 2004 and was launched at the 2005 International Convention in Hong Kong. The campaign will be conducted on a three-year timetable with intensive fund raising at the local level scheduled for 2006-2008.

Because SightFirst is an extraordinary initiative of all Lions and because other important Lions programs must continue, CSFII seeks funds over and above the existing support for LCIF and local Lions projects.

Give the Gift of Sight Program with LensCrafters. Since 1988, Lions clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada have worked with LensCrafters stores to collect old, unwanted eyeglasses for distribution on optical missions in developing countries. As a result of the early success of these programs, LensCrafters now offers several free and reduced-cost eye care programs in North America. When providing assistance to others, Lions are encouraged to utilize these resources:

• Gift of Sight OnSite Vouchers:  Lions clubs and other groups may obtain a limited number of pairs of glasses for people in need free of charge. Eye exams not included.

• Lions Special Price:  Once charitable vouchers are exhausted, Lions are able to purchase an unlimited number of pairs of glasses for needy individuals at a special price of $50 per pair.  Eye exams not included.

• Hometown Day:  The first Wednesday in December each year is Hometown day.  LensCrafters along with the Lions Club and local Doctors come together to donate eye examinations and glasses to needy people in the Abilene and surrounding areas who are pre-selected by the Lions Club.

Used eyeglass collection - we have eyeglass collection boxes in various locations throughout our communities.  Lions collect more than 3 million pairs of used eyeglasses each year for distribution in developing countries.

Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center -
Each year, the Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center supplies 60-80 missions sponsored by church groups, physicians and other organizations with used eyeglasses.
The center also supplies eyeglasses for permanent distribution centers in the Republic of Ghana, Nigeria and Brazil.

The center organizes optical training teams composed of Lions, doctors and opticians to work with Lions of multiple districts in developing countries. TLERC has the following training programs in place and available:

• How to create and operate an optical clinic with used eyeglasses;
• How to create and operate a new and used eyeglass distribution center;
• How to create and operate a finishing lab;
• Photo-screening;
• Low vision

To date, Lions in the following countries have received training: US, Guyana, Guatemala, Mexico,
El Salvador and Honduras.

Currently, the center is working with Chevron to set up a permanent Lions eyeglass distribution facility in The Republic of Congo. In addition, the center also procures new and used optical and surgical equipment for use by various mission groups.

TLERC is manned six days a week Monday through Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM.

We will conduct tours anytime during working hours and other times upon request.  We will accept glasses anytime - Call if not during working hours and we will make arrangements to meet you and to receive your glasses.  We need all the glasses you can collect.

Texas Lions Camp. - The Texas Lions Camp at Kerrville, Texas is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing, without charge,
a summer camp for children with physical disabilities and Type 1 diabetes from the state of Texas regardless of race, religion or national origin.

Since 1949 the Texas Lions Camp has served over 50,000 children with special medical conditions. Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the Camp is nested on 504 acres of wooded countryside. Modern facilities include a newly renovated dining hall, infirmary, junior Olympic sized swimming pool, fishing pond, high and low elements ropes course, gym, weight room, amphitheater, air-conditioned cabins and much more.

Children attending the Texas Lions Camp have opportunities to experience recreational and leisure activities. Swimming, water sports, horseback riding, nature trails, tennis courts, team courts, team sports, canoeing and sleeping under the stars are just a few of the activities available for campers. Children attending the Texas Lions Camp have many opportunities for positive social interaction, gaining self-confidence and developing a greater
self-image.

Children with physical disabilities eligible to participate in summer camping programs at the Texas Lions Camp must be between the ages of  7 and 16. Children with Type 1 diabetes must be between the ages of 8 and 15.

The diabetic camping program at the Texas Lions Camp provides children with an opportunity to learn and expand their self-care skills. While attending the diabetic program campers participate in a wide range of educational programs in addition to the primary recreational activities offered each summer. A medical team joins the Texas Lions Camp to help children learn more about their condition. Each day children monitor blood sugar levels, make choices regarding nutrition, and learn about insulin procedures. Parents are offered a special day of instruction at the end of each camping session. The parent instruction provides detailed information about current diabetes care.

The Texas Lions Camp is funded primarily through the generosity of Lions Clubs throughout the state of Texas. Lions Clubs significantly support the activities of the Camp through gifts and volunteer resources.
The Century Club is an important gifting program that helps provide valuable recreation and education for Texas children with physical disabilities and type 1 diabetes. Each spring Lions Clubs help prepare the Camp for the children. On Work Weekends Lions Clubs provide volunteers who assist with painting, cutting firewood, cleaning brush, washing windows and much more. Lions Clubs support the Camp's efforts by recruiting and sponsoring campers from their communities. Some Clubs even provide transportation to and from camp! Lions Clubs also come to Camp throughout the summer to prepare meals and meet campers. Through the enthusiasm, talents and gifts provided by Texas Lions Clubs the Texas Lions Camp continues to offer exciting summer opportunities at no charge.

To learn more about the Texas Lions Camp visit our website at www.lionscamp.com On our website you can take Camp tour, download a camper of staff application and discover other opportunities for being involved at the Texas Lions Camp.

The Texas Lions Foundation - The Texas Lions Foundation was formed by and for the Lions Clubs of Texas in order to provide grants for Humanitarian & Disaster Relief Purposes. Funds for these grants come from Lions and Lions Clubs in Texas who have made voluntary contributions to the Texas Lions Foundation or have conducted fund raising events specifically to benefit the Foundation.

The Foundation supports charitable activities sponsored by the Lions of Texas. Additionally, the Foundation can assist in defraying the costs of any designated disaster. The Texas Lions Foundation Fellowship Program is a primary means for TLF to strengthen its financial base. The fellowship is presented to a Lion or other individual for a personal contribution of $500 or as a tribute from a Club. (Expanded Information)

Lions World Services for the Blind - LWSB is a school for the blind and visually impaired with a goal to provide functional independence to its students. LWSB is located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What is Kids N' Coins?

Leader Dogs for the Blind introduces Kids N' Coins, a unique and fun fundraising effort that involves elementary school children throughout Michigan. This program has been adopted by the Lions of Texas. Students are asked to collect spare change from their homes and families to donate to Leader Dog. 100% of the money raised through the Kids N' Coins program will be applied directly to the costs associated with the training of a student/dog team.

Schools that participate in the program will receive a photo of the Future Leader Dog they are "sending to school," as well as a picture of the graduate team. Each student participating will receive information about Leader Dogs for the Blind and a personalized certificate of thanks.

Kids N' Coins is a flexible program that can be tailored to any school. Administrators can create friendly competitions between classes, grades, or neighboring schools. The length of the program can also be customized from as short as one day to as long as several months.

How can my school get involved?

School administrators or community school coordinators must complete and return the participation form on the back of this brochure. Leader Dogs for the Blind will then contact you and forward a Kids N' Coins packet that includes a coin pail, posters, certificates of recognition, a parental consent form, and a photograph of a Future Leader Dog that your funds will help "send to school."

The following information about the Kids N' Coins website is available: Leader Dogs for Blind - Kids N' Coins Website

Leader Dogs for the Blind -  Without doubt, one of the most dramatic and best-known service activities of Lions is the Leader Dog program. The Leader Dog School was founded in 1939 by three Lions who were unable to obtain Leader Dogs from any other source. Founders were S.A. Dodge, Donald P. Schuur and Charles A. Nutting; all of who later served as President of the Leader Dog organization. Conceived in a dream, Leader Dog has grown to be one of the largest and finest dog guide schools in the world.

The whole enterprise began, with more courage than anything else, when a few Lions from Detroit, Michigan, purchased an old farmhouse which still stands in the center of a complex now valued at over twelve million dollars. The leader Dog School in Rochester, Michigan is adjacent to an estimated 45% of the nation's blind.

During its first years of operation, only a few people graduated. In fiscal year 2002, 274 Leader Dog teams graduated; 274 more blind people went out into the world able to live a life of their own, despite blindness. 12,169 Leader Dogs have been trained since the founding of the school in 1939. For 63 years Lions and Lioness have invested untold time and effort in the Leader Dog program. Leader dog offers its services through the Lions and Lioness of all states to the blind. Lions and Lioness help spread the word that blind people who want to be free and mobile can have a Leader Dog for the asking and can write in behalf of a blind candidate to obtain an application. (More MD-2 Information)

LCI Youth Exchange Program - For many young people, participating in the Lions Youth Exchange Program is a life-changing experience. Traveling to another country, living with a host family, and experiencing another culture are milestone events. Lions interested in this program can download the Lions Youth Exchange Visitor Application (YE-1401) and  Lions Youth Exchange Host Family Application (YE-1402) by clicking on the links.

Good News… you can now register online to be a donor in the State of Texas. Click the following link if you would like to register your name to be an organ, tissue, and/or eye donor. Once you’re in the site, click on Current/Prospective Donors and fill in the blanks. You have the option to select which organs and/or tissues you would like to donate.

D.E.A.R.

Donor Awareness Statement (from www.texasdear.org)
Welcome to the Donor Education, Awareness, and Registry (DEAR) Program of Texas, which was created by the Texas legislature in 2005 to allow individuals to indicate their intent to make an anatomical gift in the event of their death. Texans are now able to register their intent to be an organ, tissue, and/or eye donor, at Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices as well as through this DEAR statewide, Internet-based registry. For Texan's under the age of 18, you can specify your intentions for donation but your parents will make the final decision about organ, tissue, and eye donations in the event of your death.