In a show of enthusiastic support, the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada has contributed $300 toward Senior Girl Scout Anna Heur’s “Step to Specs” Gold Award project. Heur, an LCHS sophomore, created the project as a way to get gently used prescription glasses to those who can’t afford them.
When she asked her former Palm Crest 2nd grade teacher, Nancy Leininger, to be her sponsor, Leininger then asked Heur to make a presentation to Kiwanis members. (Leininger serves on the club’s newly created seven-member Community Services Task Force, headed by Linda Fors.)
After Heur’s talk, several Club members immediately volunteered to help collect eyeglasses donated by Kiwanis members and others. “The project was a perfect fit for Kiwanis’ mission of helping local youth and the community,” according to a Kiwanis spokesperson.
Launched this past November, Heur created a website geared to collect and display eyeglasses as well as provide a search engine to enable eyecare professionals that she has partnered with to get glasses to those in need. To ensure the eyeglasses are a match for a potential recipient, Heur uses a lensometer to identify the prescription details. She has already distributed glasses at the county hospital and has placed collection boxes and fliers locally at a gas station, bookstore, schools and optometry offices.
“I’ve worn glasses since the age of 5, and they have helped me pursue my education,” Heur said. “I wanted to ensure that others with impaired vision could have the same opportunities.”
A spirited Girl Scout for the past 10 years, Heur regularly looks for ways to help others. Her plans include writing a book to bring positivity and encouragement to those who wear glasses.
For additional information or to donate glasses, visit steptospecs.com or email Heur at steptospecs@gmail.com.
Additionally, if local residents “are interested in making friends and giving back while having fun, the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada invites you to attend a zoom meeting held each Wednesday at noon, featuring the ‘Guest Speaker of the Week’ program,” a Kiwanis spokesperson said. To receive an invitation, email lacanadakiwanis@gmail.com or visit lacanadakiwanis.org.
