Whitefield second graders kicked off their annual service project with a visit from Jamie Marks and Nancy Parkin-Bashizi from Vision Rehabilitation Services (VRS) of Smyrna. Parkin-Bashizi, VRS director, and Marks both shared the services provided by VRS to low-vision patients. Students will now raise funds for the organization in simple and innovative ways such as doing extra chores around the house, selling items such as lemonade and cookies, and dog sitting.
“Every year the kids come up with new and exciting ways to raise money for this incredible organization,” said Julie Bayne, second-grade teacher.
Parkin-Bashizi told students about the different devices used for the visually-impaired such as magnifiers, cooking aides, and canes. VRS provides technology training, mobility training, counseling, and other services to make life easier for those with low vision.
Marks, who has a retina disease, shared her own experience with low vision. She brought along her seeing eye-dog, Frenchie, and talked about the challenges she faces.
“Put your hands up like this over your eyes,” said Marks, as she closed her first fingers and thumbs in a circle over her eyes. “This is how I see. My vision is good, but my field of vision is very small, so I have to have Frenchie help me around.”
Marks, who is a technology teacher with VRS, also shared how people with low vision can lead
independent and happy lives. The students, who are in the middle of reading a story about Helen Keller, agreed.
“The money you raise will help people who can’t afford the tools we’ve shown you. Your service project will help a lot of people with vision problems,” said Parkin-Bashizi.
Whitefield has raised thousands for VRS over the last several years.
“Whitefield has raised close to $10,000 for VRS and we are so grateful. I am certain your service project this year will put you over the $10,000 mark!” said Parkin-Bashizi.