I began EYEsee because I've always felt the call to make a difference in the world. Knowing my friends felt the very same drive, I gathered them together to build and grow EYEsee. My decision to pursue a major in public policy arises from my work in leading EYEsee. My involvement in EYEsee has inculcated in me a deep interest in efforts that lift people from their poverty. I intend to expand on this work and evolve it into my life’s work as a social entrepreneur. EYEsee is the work of many hands; it shows what a community of supporters can accomplish together in the fight against global poverty.

Lexi is a sophomore at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinios. She leads EYEsee’s efforts in building local and national EYEsee chapters. EYEsee chapters are youth teams that replicate the effort of EYEsee in their own churches, schools, and local communities. Chapters support the mission and work of EYEsee. Their primary activity is the collection of eyeglasses in their location on behalf of EYEsee, preferably in conjunction with EYEsee’s annual collection campaign. Lexi is EYEsee’s main contact for inquiries about starting an EYEsee chapter or running a collection drive as a school project.

"I am very excited to be a leader of the EYEsee program. I have been wearing contacts and/or eyeglasses for 3 years. It is a blessing to be able to share the gift of sight to less fortunate individuals."

Evelina is a senior at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinios. She leads EYEsee’s current effort to engage small and large companies in the mission and work of EYEsee. In her past assignment, Evelina had led EYEsee’s successful reach out to local governments and public offices in the Chicago-area. Evelina is EYEsee’s main contact for companies that are looking to organize an eyeglasses collection drive as part of their Earth Day recycling or green program.

"Helping those in need is the greatest gift you can give someone, especially when it comes to helping someone receive the blessing of vision. Coming from someone who regularly depends on contacts and glasses, I feel it is my responsibility to assist those living with vision impairments all over the world. Knowing I can make a difference inspires me to continue my volunteer work with EYEsee."

Chris is a senior at Saint Viator High School, and he leads all EYEsee activities at Saint Viator High School during the current academic year. Chris has been actively involved with EYEsee since 2009. He has been playing a key leadership role with EYEsee since 2010 and has been the driving spirit behind EYEsee’s successful annual church collection drives. Through his consistent effort in recruiting and training new members and volunteers, Chris has helped build EYEsee’s network of supporters and volunteers. Chris has been instrumental in organizing the EYEsee Michigan Chapter.

"By the simple donation of an outdated object such as old eyeglasses, a difference can be made in the daily life of another. As an individual I feel it is my duty to help others as there is no greater feeling than that of helping someone in need."

Peter has been actively involved with EYEsee since 2011. He had lent significant support to EYEsee’s successful weekend collection drives for churches last year. During churches collection drives, Saint Viator students set up a collection box and receive eyeglasses donations from parishioners during all the weekend liturgies or worship services. Students also answer any questions from parishioners about EYEsee’s mission and work. Peter is EYEsee’s main contact for inquiries about staring a weekend collection drive for churches.

Kirsten leads this year’s program for senior homes, which has been one of EYEsee’s staple programs since 2008. EYEsee’s Senior Home program is one-day collection event, usually during the weekends. Saint Viator students set up a collection box at the senior home lobby where they receive donations from residents. They also interact with residents to answer any questions that they may have about EYEsee’s mission and work. Senior residents look forward to this annual events and EYEsee volunteers have found this program to be an enriching experience for them. Kristen is EYEsee’s main contact for inquiries about starting collection drives for senior homes.

"Being part of a family where everyone wears glasses or contacts, I understand the importance of having good vision. Also since I am of Filipino and Korean decent, I understand how lucky we are as Americans to have so many resources available to us. Through EYEsee, I hope to help improve the lives of others by providing them with the ability to see better. I also believe it is important to recycle and reuse as much of our resources as possible. By reusing eyeglasses that would otherwise be discarded, we are also helping our environment."

Paul leads EYEsee’s program this year with optical clinics and stores in the Chicago-area. EYEsee is looking to expand partnerships with eye clinics and eyewear stores and engage them in the mission and work of EYEsee. Paul is EYEsee’s main contact for inquiries about starting a collection drive for optical clinics and stores.

"Sight is one of our five senses that is crucial in our daily lives. Thanks to the EYEsee program, thousands of people throughout the world have been able to see better with their improved vision. Not only is the vision of these people heightened, but the glasses help restore the confidence of the individual, allowing one to strive towards his or her goals. I have been wearing glasses for four years. Wearing glasses has allowed me to continue to work toward my ambitions for the future. Vision is a blessing, and I am happy that I am able to provide this gift to others."

Rachel leads this year’s program for public offices, which include federal, state, municipal, and village offices as well as public libraries. Rachel will expand on the work began last year in signing up several village offices and libraries to support EYEsee’s collection drives. Rachel is EYEsee’s main contact for inquiries about starting an eyeglasses collection drive for public offices and libraries.

"Helping others is something I aspire to do, and EYEsee has given me the opportunity to do just that. Service plays a big role in my life, and I am motivated to continue collecting glasses knowing that my work is helping people see. By being a part of EYEsee, I hope to bring some happiness to those who are less fortunate."