Community Service Spotlight: The Joy of Sight

Why not make this summer memorable for you, and bring joy to someone else’s life?

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 Here is how Tim Pietz is making his mark:

“As a Boy Scout trying to reach the rank of Eagle, I needed to find a service project I could perform to fulfill the needed requirements.  Our Troop is a small homeschooled troop, and we had very little experience with Eagle Projects.  I wasn’t sure what to do.  Eventually, I decided on an idea, but I had no idea what an important part of my life this was going to become.  The idea I chose was to create a Now4Life Eyeglasses clinic in Milwaukee.  Now4Life is a not for profit organization that was started by a member of my church.  This organization buys eyeglasses frames and lenses in bulk and then sells them to laymen volunteers for the price they bought them at.  After learning how to perform basic eye tests and assemble the eyeglasses on Now4Life’s website, these volunteers take their show on the road.  Many of the less fortunate in Milwaukee and all over the world have been helped through this service.  People who were never able to see well enough to read or who can’t drive well because of their impaired vision are being given a second chance.  With the ability to see clearly comes increased opportunities for a job.  All of this is available to people for a nominal price of $10 or less, depending on what people are able to afford.  It was the impact of this idea in the lives of others that convinced me to make my Eagle Scout Project a series of three Now4Life clinics.

The Joy of Sight
The Joy of Sight

For my project I recruited and trained volunteers in the art of testing and assembling eyeglasses, then organized three clinics in the Milwaukee area.  I had a lot support from my family, friends, Troop, and my church, and the project was a success.  In all, over 70 people received eyeglasses.  Amazingly, the best was yet to come.  Many of my volunteers were going to Tanzania in August to meet with our partner church there.  My dad offered for me to go along too, and suggested we perform an eyeglasses clinic there as well.  Unfortunately, the eyeglasses luggage was misplaced during our flight, and things were looking bad.  The next day at the several hour long clinic, we served a LOT of people.  Around 60-100!  It was amazing to see how a somewhat reluctant high school freshman with the support of his family, church and community can bring the joy of sight to the world . Visit Now4Life.org for more info on this organization.

Hey, even if you are on a stay-cation this summer, there are plenty of ways to impact those close to you! Reach out, find your passion in this great big world. As you effect others in a positive way, you will grow and learn so much about yourself.

Remember, Germies:

Find your passion.

Get involved.

Make your mark.

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