The Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research (LEITR) has been involved with the Hillsborough County Very Important People who are Visually Impaired People (VIP2) Holiday Hearts Program for the past 22 years. Sharing a similar mission, the institute and the county VIP2 program look forward to working together on various programs for the visually impaired students throughout the school year.
Since 2005 when LEITR moved to their Ybor City headquarters building, the VIP2 students in first through fifth grade have come to LEITR in December to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a pizza lunch served by high school volunteers, open presents, and create a holiday craft. One family also receives a fully decorated holiday tree, donated by LEITR.
In November, Will Young and Tiffany Conrad of the Hillsborough County Public Schools speak with the children to find out exactly what they want for the holidays. That list is given to LEITR employees and they purchase a gift for each student in the program.
This year on Friday, December 2nd, the students once again came to LEITR to enjoy a day filled with holiday excitement and joy. One student read her personally prepared Braille holiday card to Santa and Mrs. Claus, thanking them for all they do! It was truly an inspirational day for everyone involved.