Hawks Foundation, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, and Vision To Learn Provide Glasses to Clay Co Students

Nearly 90 Students Receive Glasses and Books in Celebration of National Reading Month Yesterday, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Georgia’s Own Credit Union partnered with Vision To Learn, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free vision care for students in public schools, to host a special event at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School in Clayton County.

In honor of National Reading Month, nearly 90 students were gifted brand-new eyeglasses along with a book of their choice. Hawks player Mouhamed Gueye joined comedian, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Pretty Vee, along with volunteers from all three organizations, to distribute glasses and engage with students.

Empowering Young Learners Through Clear Vision

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Georgia’s Own Credit Union and Vision To Learn during National Reading Month to support young learners by providing essential tools that empower the next generation to succeed,” said David Lee, Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Executive Director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. “Every child deserves the chance to see their full potential, and together with our partners, we’re helping give kids the resources they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

To celebrate the occasion, students participated in a graduation-style ceremony, where they walked across the stage to receive their prescription eyeglasses. In addition to their new glasses, each student had the opportunity to choose a book from the free book fair, encouraging literacy and fostering a love for reading.

“Our foundation is extremely passionate about supporting children in our community, and the work Vision To Learn does to ensure kids of all backgrounds have access to reading glasses is inspiring,” said Dave Preter, President & CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “We are so proud to join the Hawks in this important partnership and look forward to continuing this critical work in the future.”

A Day of Celebration and Community Impact

Parents of attending students also received a complimentary copy of Pretty Vee’s guided journal, The Pretty Victory: 100-Day Guide to Recenter Yourself and Find Your Purpose.

The celebration was further energized by DJ Mo Hawk, who kept the atmosphere lively. Students captured memories at a photo booth with Hawks Entertainment members, including Harry the Hawk, the ATL Hawks Dancers, and the Flight Crew. Adding a delicious touch to the event, State Farm Arena’s Chief Culinary Officer, Chef G. Garvin, prepared curated meals for all students.

Vision To Learn’s Ongoing Impact

In June 2024, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff secured $400,000 in federal funding to help Vision To Learn expand its services, furthering the organization’s mission of improving students’ access to vision care.

“For more than eight years, Vision To Learn has partnered with the Atlanta Hawks Foundation to provide Metro Atlanta children with vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses at no cost to students or their families,” said Ann Hollister, President and CEO of Vision To Learn. “Clear vision makes a huge difference for kids learning to read, but far too many children go without vision care at this critical time. With the help of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Georgia’s Own Credit Union, thousands more of our community kids will be able to see the board, read a book, and participate fully in class.”

Every day, thousands of children in Metro Atlanta attend school without the glasses they need to see clearly, a challenge often tied to limited access to vision care in low-income communities. Since 2017, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation has worked alongside Vision To Learn to provide over 48,000 free eye exams and more than 39,000 eyeglasses to students across the region.

As the nation’s largest provider of school-based vision care services, Vision To Learn operates mobile clinic vans that bring free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses directly to schools, ensuring that students receive the care they need. Additionally, students can pick from a variety of stylish frames with guidance from a Vision To Learn optician.

For more information about the Hawks’ ongoing efforts in the community, visit Hawks.com/community.