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Linda Karp and Paul Basile, owners of the 2007 Orchid Award-winning San Diego Guild Restaurant and Lounge, feel that the New Year's Eve, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Winter Solstice holidays are not just for celebratory indulgence.

So this year, the pair is turning their Barrio Logan hot spot into a drop location for used eyeglasses and old cell phones for their First Annual GREEN Holiday Charity Drive. Teaming with patrons and guests of the restaurant, the Guild will be collecting used eyeglasses for the Lions International Eyeglass Recycling Program, an organization that provides eyeglasses to people in developing nations who can not afford them, and old cell phones for HopeLine, a Verizon Wireless program that puts wireless services and equipment to work for victims of domestic violence.

Now through December 31, rather than throwing away last season's designer frames or that worn out, beat up old flip phone, every person who donates them for the GREEN Holiday Charity Drive will receive a complimentary appetizer or dessert selection created by the Guild's superstar Executive Chef, Melissa Mayer.

For this year's GREEN Holiday Charity Drive, all the used eyeglasses and wireless phone equipment collected will adorn an elegant, modern tree inside the restaurant, serving as its avant-garde industrial ornaments until being donated to their respective charities at the end of the month.

"Linda and I believe that giving back is the best gift we can give this holiday season," says Basile. "Often times, it's those untraditional, overlooked things that mean a great deal. The ability to see or call for help being two of them."

Co-owner Linda Karp adds, "The Guild is not a typical, run-of-the-mill dining experience and we wanted to participate in something this holiday season that was fitting with our style and culture. We recycle, we use organic, sustainable products when possible, and feel our GREEN Holiday Charity Drive serves as not only an opportunity for people to learn about different ways they can recycle, but for them to help someone in need this holiday they may otherwise not know about."

Those interested in participating in the Guild Restaurant and Lounge's GREEN Holiday Charity Drive need only bring in a used pair of eyeglasses or any working or non-working wireless phone equipment to receive their complimentary appetizer or dessert (limited to one appetizer or dessert per donated item, per person.)