Oklahoma Lions State Programs and Projects
Meadows of Hope - The Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch
Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank
Established in 1957, the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank is the state's only dedicated tissue recovery organization with the sole purpose of recovering corneal tissue and restoring sight through transplantation. Since the establishment of the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank, over 24,000 corneas have been donated resulting in approximately 20,000 successful corneal transplant surgeries. Corneas that are not suitable for transplant are used for additional eye procedures and for ocular research. Eye Bank Technicians are certified by the EBAA and attend educational sessions at national EBAA conventions annually, as well as complete Continuing Education on a yearly basis. The Eye Bank, itself, is inspected and recertified every three years by EBAA. Oklahoma Lions have been instrumental in the restoration of eye sight since their inception. With the support of all Oklahoma Lions many residents have received the gift of sight!
Multiple District DR.EUGENE BRIGGS
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOUND. DIRECTORS
Oklahoma City Community Foundation manages the Dr. Eugene Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund – The scholarship was established by the Lions Clubs of Oklahoma in honor of Dr. Briggs, a past president of Lions Clubs International. The statewide award benefits Oklahoma residents who are graduating or have graduated from an Oklahoma high school. (Scholarship Directory | Oklahoma City Community Foundation (occf.org)
Lions Quest
From the earliest entry into a school environment, students respond positively to teachers who actively listen, who encourage the development of new ideas, and who give them an opportunity to practice new skills. Social and emotional competencies can be taught, modeled, and practiced and lead to positive student outcomes that are important for success in school and in life. For social and emotional learning to be most effective, it is essential that districts and schools infuse the principles of social and emotional learning across curriculum and instruction, discipline, out-of-school time, and ongoing assessment for continuous improvement.
Lions Quest helps teachers create such an environment with a combination of online and professional development resources. (Lions Clubs International Foundation. 2022. Social and Emotional Learning Resources - Lions Quest (lions-quest.org)).
PDG Tony Dowell Director, Ada Lions Club.
Oklahoma Lions Eye Glass Recycling Program
The Oklahoma Lions have been recycling eyeglasses for several years throughout the State. The program however, started in the SW Districts of Oklahoma. In August of 2022 the program moved under the umbrella of the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation (OLSF) to become a Statewide Program. While most all Lions Clubs collected and sorted eyeglasses for recycling, Ok Lions now are able to donate to the sustainability and growth of the program.
Oklahoma Lions have been very active with this program including partnering with other agencies like, Lynn Institute and Skyline Urban Ministries. Lions are able to collect glasses and sort them for transport. Partnering agencies qualified to process and distribute eyewear are then contacted to receive them from Ok Lions. Some are processed and sent internationally to other countries, and some are used here for prison ministries and low-income families. Since July, of 2022, Ok Lions have collected over 42,700 glasses. We then transport them to Texas for processing. OLSF needs your help to continue this program. Transportation costs are significantly higher than they have been in recent years, but the cost of providing sight is priceless!
Ok Lions Eye Glass Recycling Program
Total # Glasses Donated 2020-2021 49,081
2021-2022 53,106
2022-2023 74,316
2023-2024 79,940
Total 256,443
If you would like to give to this program, please specify "Eye Glass Recycling" on your gift through the "How to Give" page. Thank you!