Reminder: Mercer Island Boy Scout Needs Your Eyeglasses

MERCER ISLAND, WA — In an effort to aid residents of developing countries who can't afford eyeglasses or don't have access to vision care, Daniel Hankes, 17, a junior at Mercer Island High School, is leading a service project encouraging community members to donate their old prescription or reading glasses.

The project, which helps Hankes earn his Eagle Scout rank, benefits Northwest Lions Club Eyeglasses Recycling Center in Olympia. A member of Troop 647, Hankes said he was inspired to take on the project because nearly three decades ago, a family friend who died three years ago completed the same project to earn his Eagle Scout rank.

Door hanger collection bags were distributed to Mercer Island neighborhoods on Monday. Troop 647 scouts will pick up the bags on Saturday, June 15. Collection boxes are out until June 20, and were placed at the following Mercer Island locations:

• Mercer Island Pediatrics
• New Seasons Market
• Jewish Community Center
• Mercer Island Community Center
• Aljoya Mercer Island
• Covenant Shores
• QFC, located on Southeast 68th Street

Those wishing to donate or learn more can contact Hankes at daniellhankes@gmail.com. Part of Lions Club International, the Northwest Lions Club Eyeglasses Recycling Center's efforts in the field of vision includes providing used eyeglasses free of charge to people in remote areas of developing countries.