HELOISE Lions Club collects eyeglasses, lenses and hearing aids

Dear Heloise: I want to thank your reader who told us that the Lions Club collects old eyeglasses. The glasses do not have to be intact; they take lenses, too. As you suggested, your readers should contact their local Lions Club.
The Lions also take hearing aids. When my mother died, I took several pairs of eyeglasses to my local Lions collection box. Thinking her hearing aids were of no use, I threw them in the trash. I said to a Lion I know, "Too bad you don't use hearing aids." "We do!" he replied, so I did a Dumpster-dive (clean trash and bag were still in the house). Later I found two dozen pairs of glasses in my father's workbench. I was happy to make these donations in my parents' memory. Carolyn Makovi, via e-mail
Carolyn, thanks for the reminder, and a big thank-you to the Lions Clubs for collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids, then passing them on to people who need them. Readers, go through your house to see how many spare pairs you have. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I appreciate your column of helpful hints, which I read in The Brazil (Indiana) Times. I especially like the hints involving all of the scams and frauds that affect our credit and, most importantly, our identity.
I had a rude awakening when I noticed the "bonus coupon" at the top of my credit-card bill. These coupons allow you to buy merchandise at discount prices, and you must use your credit card to purchase the items. On the back of the coupon was my name, address and complete credit-card-account number. I normally toss these, but not anymore! They will be destroyed with all of the other junk mail that has any personal or financial information on it. I hope everyone out there looks carefully at all the pieces of mail that arrive in an envelope. I know I will be more careful from now on. Janet G., Brazil, Ind.
Dear Heloise: One time in your column, you gave a formula to clean coins that are silver. Please repeat the information. Ernest A. Gentile, The Woodlands, Texas
According to the United States Mint, to retain the value of coins, proper care and storage are essential. Cleaning can reduce their value by marring the surface. However, if you want to clean coins that are not that old or valuable, wash with mild soap and water, and dry with a soft cloth. Do not brush or rub; just pat dry to avoid scratching the coin surface. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Whenever I buy an item, I always keep the box and the receipt until I'm sure it doesn't need to be returned for any reason. Steve G., San Antonio
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate