BHS Leo Club collecting eyeglasses as part of seasonal initiative

By Lily Coppola

Donation boxes have been popping up around town and even at Branford High School, seeking donations of old and unused eyeglasses, as part of an initiative run by the Lions Club. 

One of the collection boxes is sitting outside the gym lobby entrance. The Leo Club, which is the youth group affiliated with the Lions Club, brought the box to the school. The club focuses on community service and has recently been revived at BHS.

“We’re super happy to bring the club back,” said junior Nate Frohlich, president of the BHS Leo Club. “And I’m happy we’re able to enter back into the scene with a big event like the glasses drive.” 

The Lions and Leo Club motto is “We Serve” with the goal of service to the community.

As part of the eyeglass collection drive, everyone is encouraged to donate old and unused prescription glasses. The donation box is for people to drop off prescription glasses to be recycled and reused for people who cannot afford them for themselves.

Although it is not the first box in Branford, it is a great reminder for the community to help others, especially during the holiday season. 

Since being revived, the club has been at theater productions around town selling “Kisses to the Cast.” The ‘kisses’, referring to the popular Hershey’s Kiss chocolates, go to the performers as a show of affection for their hard work on stage.

They are also planning some events for the new year which you can find on their Instagram page: @leoclub2025

If you have glasses with an old prescription or a pair that is just laying around your home, you can donate them at any of the donation boxes in town at BHS, the Blackstone Library, the Branford Parks & Recreation, the Branford Town Hall, and Branford Optometric at 60 Montowese Street.