HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I know you have given out this information several times, but until I had eye surgery, I didn’t need the information. Now I have several old eyeglasses I would like to donate. Where should I send them?

• Jason C., via e-mail

DEAR READER: Well, there are two wonderful organizations you can donate to. One, which I have written about through the years, is New Eyes for the Needy, founded in 1932 (new-eyes.org). It accepts donations of eyeglasses, reading glasses and sunglasses, which are sent to poor countries. Monetary donations, jewelry, hearing aids, silverware and watches also are welcome. They are sold in their resale shop (Fabulous Finds), and proceeds are used for U.S. eyeglass voucher programs. If you’re in the New Jersey area, be sure to visit the boutique. You can send donations to:

New Eyes for the Needy

549 Millburn Ave.

P.O. Box 332

Short Hills, N.J. 07078

Another organization I have always supported is Lions Club International (lionsclubs.org). There are donation centers throughout our country at schools, libraries, community centers and optometrist offices, just to name a few locations. They also send all types of glasses to developing countries and distribute them to the needy.Send your donation to:

Lions Club International Headquarters

Attention: Receiving Department

300 W. 22nd St.

Oak Brook, Ill. 60523

Both organizations provide the wonderful gift of improved sight to others.

DEAR HELOISE: Washing small braided rugs can cause the center to draw up, resulting in a “humped” center. I stretch the wet rug, hard, sideways, and hang it from the side, using two pants hangers. This lets the rug stretch while drying and returns it to the original flat shape.

• Sarah P. in Pennsylvania

DEAR HELOISE: I was having trouble reaching the crown molding and high corners in my living room to dust. My husband used a rubber band to attach a dust cloth (Heloise here: microfiber works best) to the head of a broom. No more dusty corners or balancing on chairs! This also is helpful if you can’t bend down to dust.

• Eve K. in Mississippi Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail [email protected]