Providential moments happen all the time…the best thing about them is when we actually “see” them and take action.  This story, which comes from the Sisters of Providence in Holyoke, MA, is indeed a story of seeing a need and taking action.

One might say it was Providential when Marjorie Norman, executive assistant to the President of the Sisters of Providence, had her eye exam and thought to ask the staff if there were a place to donate eyeglasses.  She was pleased to learn that Optical Shop at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, MA was a collection site for the Lions Club that recycles eyeglasses.

Saying that “usable glasses give new life,” the Lions Club website asserts:

“Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions living in low and middle income countries lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and collect usable glasses in their communities to support the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.”

That is all the motivation Marjorie needed.  She quickly organized a team representing some of the Sisters of Providence ministries:  Hillside Residence (elder affordable housing); Mary’s Meadow Nursing and Rehab; MercyLIFE (PACE program); Providence Place (independent living); the Sisters of Providence; and the staff of Sisters of Providence Ministry Corporation.

During the months of November and December, the eye glasses began arriving.  When they were finally counted, the team had collected 148 pairs of eyeglasses!  A big THANK YOU was sent to the Sisters, SP Associates, residents and staffs of the various facilities for contributing to this effort.

Leader of the initiative Marjorie Norman reflected, “It is special to know that these eyeglasses will give people to ability to see again.  Instead of throwing  these expensive glasses into the trash, we are repurposing and reusing them.  In doing this, we are taking care of people and the Earth!”

Thanks to Marjorie and the Sisters there are many people now who will have eyeglasses and the ability to experience life as seen with new eyesight!

Barbara McMullen, CDP