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EXETER – Northeast Sight Services held an old-fashioned picnic at its Wyoming Avenue facility Thursday.
The day was complete with hot dogs, hamburgs, drinks, music and games.
And, oh yes, free vision screenings and school supplies for the children.
The organization combined with Allstate Foundation to host a back-to-school vision screening program.
“We really wanted to highlight our prevention program,” Northeast Sight Services Director of Development Amy Feldman said, pointing out the event was one of many helping the organization celebrate its centennial.
“We really wanted to bring people here and get them ready for back to school.”
According to Feldman, 80 percent of learning in school is based on visual clues, making a proper vision screening a must especially for young children who may not even realize they have a sight problem.
“It was awesome to partner with Allstate, giving back packs and back-to-school supplies and getting their vision screened all at the same time,” Feldman said.
Allstate agency owners collected back-to-school supplies for the day.
The Allstate Foundation also donated a $15,000 Helping Hands Grant to Northeast Sight Services. It was all part of a nationwide effort by the foundation in its Good Starts Young. The grant will enable the organization to screen an additional 3,000 children.
“One of the reasons my wife and I got involved with (Northeast Sight Services) is their ability to help children in the area and all local kids,” said Allstate agency owner Joshua Katyl.
Feldman said Northeast Sight Services hoped to screen at least 100 children during the event.
In addition, Kristen Martin from New York Life was on hand to provide free child IDs to each participant.
