Got an old pair of eyeglasses lying around? They could be helping to improve someone’s quality of life, especially someone who cannot afford prescription eyeglasses.

The Clanton Lions Club is sponsoring a countywide drive for used prescription eyeglasses from May 31 through June 6, and they hope people will clearly see the need to help.

On Tuesday, Chilton County Probate Judge Bobby Martin signed a proclamation declaring next week Eyeglass Donation Week in Chilton County. The promotion has been dubbed the “Mission for Vision.”

“For years, the Lions Club has been in the sight business all over the world,” said Martin, also the Clanton Lions Club sight chairman. “We buy a good many exams and glasses for people age 18 and under, especially school kids.”

People may drop off their old eyewear at one of two donation sites — Martin Funeral Home and the Chilton County Probate Office. Each pair will go to help a child or teenager with low vision.

Even though the Clanton Lions Club has partnered with Alabama Sight for many years, this is the first year club member Donny Martin has gone countywide with the collection drive. And with the downturn in the economy, the need seems to grow each year.

“People need to know that their old eyeglasses are reusable,” Donny Martin said. “We might get more donations this way.”

In addition, a percentage of money raised from the upcoming Chilton County Peach Festival will go to Alabama Sight.

The program is based on income. For more information, contact Bobby Martin at the Chilton County Probate Office at 755-1555.