NILES LensCrafters store's event gives out gift of sight to 29

The event takes place the first Wednesday of December each year.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Kara-Lynn Hodges wasn't too keen on sitting still while a technician fitted a pair of eyeglass frames for her head.
The 3-year-old sat on the lap of her father, Jeremy Hodges of Warren, fussing just a little bit.
But just an hour later, she was able to leave the LensCrafters store at the Eastwood Mall with a new pair of glasses.
Kara-Lynn was one of more than 25 people who were examined and fitted for free glasses during Wednesday's Hometown Day at the store, part of the company's national Gift of Sight program.
About the event
Steve Mondok, store manager for the Niles LensCrafters, said Hometown Day, which is the first Wednesday of December each year, allows the store to work with officials from the United Way of Trumbull County to schedule appointments and provide free eyewear for those in need.
While the Gift of Sight program through LensCrafters assists needy individuals all year, the Hometown Day is a chance to help more people at one time, Mondok said.
More than 850 LensCrafters stores across the county participate in this day, Mondok said, adding that more than 123,000 people have been helped since 1993.
"It's one of the better parts of our job, being able to help people with free eye exams and glasses, especially around the holidays," he said.
Chris Malanga, director of communications for the United Way of Trumbull County, said each year agencies supported by United Way nominate clients to participate in the program. This year, 29 appointments for children and adults were scheduled.
Donating services, time
The doctors and employees of LensCrafters donate their time and services for the event, he noted, making it a true community effort.
"We talk about United Way having an impact on the community, and this is one of those great partnerships that does just that," Malanga said. "Right here, we really get to see the people we are helping."
Each year, he noted, United Way officials put the word out about Hometown Day to its 29 health and human service agencies, as well as local schools. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, he said.
Hodges said this was the first time Kara-Lynn, who has worn glasses for some time, has participated in the program. They found out about it through her rehabilitation specialists at the Children's Rehabilitation Center in Howland.
Dr. Greg A. Marchand, who's participated in Hometown Day since its inception, said each year he sees new faces, though some clients return.
"This is just a great way to get more people in at one time; it's a really good thing," Marchand said.
slshaulis@vindy.com