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The Childrens Center at Southern Miss Benefits from Heritage Vision Center Annual Promotion

Wed, 07/06/2016 - 10:28am | By: Samantha McCain

Children's Center client Presleigh, 4, enjoys time at one of the activity centers.

Heritage Vision Center, a longtime friend of The Children's Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi, is holding its annual eyeglasses sale throughout July with a portion of sales going back to the Center.

This partnership originated 12 years ago when Southern Miss alumnus and owner, Kevin Harrison, wanted to give back to his alma mater and to the community.

Throughout the years, Heritage Vision Center has provided funding for several important purchases for the Center's loan library, including early literacy materials, a computer, software, and adaptive components and accessories for bikes, chairs and more.

“We are grateful for Kevin's benevolent spirit and his involvement with us through Heritage Vision Center,” said director Sarah Case-Price. “Our Loan Library serves an important role in the services we provide. If a family needs a specific adaptive chair, a developmental toy, a walker or more – we work with them to loan those items for the time they need them while enrolled in our program.”

The Children's Center serves children with complex communication and developmental disabilities, ages birth to five. These are key growing years, and the expense of a chair or walker that a child may grow out of within months isn't cost-effective. The Center's Loan Library strives to alleviate those extra expenses for their families.

In addition to the July promotion, Harrison also offers all enrolled children at the Center an eye examination, glasses and adjustments/repair at no cost to families.

“Our parents come to us as they are learning to balance a life that includes many doctor and specialist appointments. Kevin and the staff at Heritage Vision Center graciously help alleviate the weight and expense of vision testing and eyeglasses,” said Case-Price.

Heritage Vision Center is located in front of Sam's at 6096 U.S. Highway 98, Suite 1 in West Hattiesburg. The eyeglasses sale will run through July 31, and customers will have an opportunity to make a donation while in-store and see artwork created by Center children. For more information, please visit www.usm.edu/childrenscenter or call 601.266.5222.