Eye Drop (copy) United Way volunteer
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In this file photo from June 2023, Geoff McCarthy, of PNC, rappels down the Queen Street side of the Holiday Inn during the VisionCorps Eye Drop.

 BLAINE SHAHAN | Staff Photographer

Volunteering can be an important tool for supporting community empowerment. With this aim, we can use our volunteer efforts in ways that help build the capacity of individuals and groups so they can more fully participate in the community.

One way to do this is by volunteering with organizations that empower people who are living with disabilities to live more independently.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 2% of the population in Lancaster County is experiencing vision loss, which adds up to over 11,000 people.

The majority of people affected by vision loss are aged 65 and older, but there are people of every age in our community whose daily lives are impacted. Vision loss can lead to increased isolation from family, friends, and the wider community, but rehabilitation services, support networks and improvements in technology can enable people to live independently and to lead fulfilling lives.

VisionCorps is a locally based organization that works to empower individuals who are blind or vision impaired to attain independence. They do this through rehabilitative, preventative, and educational services, as well as employing people who are blind in manufacturing, food processing and administrative services.

The organization, originally known as the Lancaster County Association for the Blind, was founded in 1926 by community members who started a small workshop on East King Street in Lancaster to help World War I veterans who had lost their vision in combat. As the organization evolved, access to rehabilitation services was expanded to the general public and the focus was shifted to provide services that empowered people to regain and maintain independence.

Currently, VisionCorps serves over 1,400 clients in Lancaster County and in surrounding counties.

Community support and the efforts of volunteers amplify the work of VisionCorps in our community, allowing for broader program and service reach. To continue expanding their impact, VisionCorps is seeking volunteers to serve as drivers and volunteers to help with their 2024 Eye Drop, which is a flagship fundraising event.

Volunteer drivers

Volunteer drivers are needed to help support VisionCorps clients. Drivers transport clients, many of whom are older adults, to appointments, in-person rehabilitation, and education and support groups. Volunteer drivers are needed on weekdays, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., and they can choose times based on their own schedules. This is a great opportunity for retirees or people with available time during the week. Drivers can drive their own vehicle or use a VisionCorps vehicle, and a driving record check is required. For more information and to volunteer, please visit tinyurl.com/VisionCorpsDrivers.

Eye Drop volunteers

The 2024 VisionCorps Eye Drop fundraising event is on Friday, June 7, and volunteers are needed to assist at the event in general and to serve as ropes volunteers. The Eye Drop is a rappelling event, where participants commit to raising funds in exchange for the opportunity to rappel down the side of the Holiday Inn in downtown Lancaster.

Ropes volunteers will assist the special-events company that runs the event. Previous climbing and ropes experience is helpful but not required. Mandatory safety training is held the day before the event. This is a great opportunity for volunteer groups. For more information and to volunteer, please visit tinyurl.com/EyeDrop2024.

Find more volunteer opportunities

Visit the United Way of Lancaster County’s Get Connected volunteer site at uwlanc.galaxydigital.com. At the site you’ll find a variety of volunteer opportunities from around the county, and you’ll be able to sign up to receive updates when new opportunities are posted.

Joel Janisewski is director of the volunteer center and community listening for United Way of Lancaster County.

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