HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Readers:

What do you do with all those extra envelopes you've accumulated through the years? Here are some ideas: File receipts by category (dining, clothing, medical); file coupons; mail payments that do not include a pre-addressed envelope; store extra buttons, writing a description of the garment on the envelope; and store fabric or paint swatches (write what it's for).

You can also use a legal-size envelope to store eyeglasses. Seal the envelope, tear or cut off one end to make an opening, and slip them inside. This is especially helpful when traveling and you don't want to carry a bulky eyeglass case.

Speaking of eyeglasses . . .

Dear Heloise:

I have been cleaning and found 11 pairs of old eyeglasses, and I understand you have an address where people can mail them. Would you please publish that so I can mail them out?

Sharon Kennedy, via e-mail

Many groups collect eyeglasses, but I think you are referring to Lions Clubs International, which has been collecting glasses for nearly 80 years. Adult and especially children's eyeglasses are needed. Prescription and nonprescription glasses and sunglasses are gathered from the many donation centers and sent to one of nine Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers here in the United States (there are 17 centers worldwide). Volunteers clean and sort the glasses before shipping them to developing countries, where they are given to the needy. Go to the Lions Club at http://www.lionsclubs.org or call the closest club to find a list of donation centers where you can drop off or mail your eyeglasses. Collection boxes often can be found at libraries, optometrist offices, train stations, coffee shops, community centers and video stores.

Dear Heloise:

While in college many years ago, I discovered a unique way to "iron." If I needed a ribbon, collar or other small wrinkle to be ironed, I simply rubbed that item back and forth over a heated light bulb on my desk lamp. I often think how time-saving that was, not having to set up a board and heat an iron. I'm hopeful some college kids might find this as useful as I did (and still do!).

Casey in Carlsbad, Calif.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state when faxing or using e-mail.

2009 King Features Syndicate