Bloomingdale Lions Club recycling programs help disabled children

As part of its mission to help deaf and blind children, the Bloomingdale Lions Club is joining other Illinois chapters in various recycling programs.

Bloomingdale's Club President John Argyrakis said in addition to collecting key and key fobs to sell for scrap and other parts, the club has collected used eyeglasses, hearing aids, cellphones, and printer cartridges as part of the year-round program. Cartridges are given to office supply stores and eyewear that is still usable is given to children.

"I think the most rewarding part is that it is targeted for children who need help the most," Argyrakis said.

The Bloomingdale chapter collects more than 1,000 used eyeglasses and 500 old cellphones on average per year, bringing in roughly $1,000. That money combines with other funds raised by the chapter to assist deaf and blind children.

Those efforts give children the opportunity to receive hearing aids, magnifying glasses and Braille readers.

The club dropboxes are in Bloomingdale's village hall, and in schools and hardware stores in the community until the end of the fall.