During its first 5 years Md. VOSH has been blessed with an abundance of friends and supporters. Local laboratories have been most generous i.e. Hilbert-Walman, B & W, and Monumental. Associated Optical of Texas and Renaissance Eyewear made large contributions of uncut lenses and frames. Many ODs have been most generous with gifts of materials.
Our primary benefactor was, and continues to be, the The Md. Lions Assn. for Sight and Hearing (LASH) for district 22A. We (Lila and Bob Schwartz) made a presentation at a LASH board meeting and asked for support. President Carl Van Evara responded immediately and within 2 weeks the current district collection of 35,000 pairs of glasses was at our doorstep. LASH additionally granted us $3,000 for materials, administrative costs, and most significantly, scholarship funds which made is possible for us to implement our program of taking Optometric students on our missions. This shaping of the outlook of these young pre-professionals on giving, and preserving the eyesight of the less fortunate furthers the principles of Lionism and VOSH. It has been most gratifying to note that these young people return in following years at their own expense. VOSH is truly addictive. LASH and each succeeding LASH president, Wm. Vogeler, Ernie Leeger and currently Charles Sellman has been equally supportive.
Other major benefactors have been The First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland, Md. and Md. Omni Eye Services. Jack Van Horne's contribution of custom made metal containers to carry our glasses was substantial and we continue to use these boxes year after year.
Countless volunteers have participated in the laborious task of preparing our spectacles for missions. In 1990 we initiated a new facet of service made possible by the generosity of an anonymous contributor from Western Md. We purchased an Automated lensometer which enables us to read the prescriptions from donated eyewear and print out same. We then entered into a contract with Opportunity Builders, a Sheltered Workshop in Anne Arundel County utilizing their clients to clean, neutralize (read), and package our glasses. This meaningful operation benefits the employees, VOSH, and the final consumer -- our patients.
With friends such as these, Maryland VOSH expects to continue rendering quality eyecare to needy Third World recipients.
2008 Nandaime | 2007 Monimbo | 2006 Nandasmo | 2005 Catarina | 2005 Mus | 2004 Nindiri | 2003 Jinotepe | 2002 Ticuantepe | 2001 Monimbo | 2000 La Concepción | 1999 Masatepe | 1998 Niquinohomo | 1997 Lake Yohoa | 1996 Jutiapa | 1995 Omoa | 1994 Vera Paz | 1993 Coatepeque | 1993 Salama | 1992 Chimeltenango | 1991 Chichicastenango | 1990 Comayagua | 1989 San Manuel | 1988 Omoa | 1987 Santa Rosa
Copyright © 1987 - 2008 Northeast VOSH, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, a not-for-profit organization, or our suppliers. Contact webmaster@nevosh.com for reproduction permission.