If you have contact lenses that you no longer need, you might consider donating them. Unopened and unexpired contact lenses can often be returned to the doctor or store they were purchased from but if you like the idea of donating them you can give them to the international human rights organization MADRE. MADRE partners with sister organizations in Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Columbia, Iraq, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Palestine, Peru, Sudan and Panama to assist in creating long-term solutions for women's health problems.
Collect the contact lenses you wish to donate. Boxes do not have to be full to donate their contents.
2
Check each item for its expiration date. Gather the ones that have at least six months left before expiration and throw away the rest. Use this formula to decide what stays and what goes: Note the date you are sending the lenses and add six months to that date. Then check each item against that date.
3
If you would like MADRE to send you a donation receipt for your tax records you will need to include that request in your donation package. Include your name, address, a description of what you are donating and the approximate monetary value of the items. If you wish to make the donation in honor or memory of someone, then add that to your receipt request. If you would like MADRE to send a card to an organization or individual noting the donation, then provide them with an address for the mailing.
4
Address your envelope or box to MADRE, 121 West 27th Street, #301, New York, NY 10001. Place your donation and receipt request inside and seal it.
5
Mail your donation to MADRE. We suggest a return receipt so you can track your package.
Tips & Warnings
You can donate contact cases and cleaning solutions along with the contact lenses. Don't forget to check the expiration date of the cleaning solution.
MADRE accepts in-person donations between 9:30 a.m .and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
MADRE accepts all types of donations and will pick up large items located in Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs.
MADRE can be reached at (212) 627-0444 or at helpinghands@madre.org.
Used or opened contact lenses should never be donated or reused.
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