TEMPLE, Texas — Temple Independent School District’s Raye-Allen Elementary School had some special visitors on Wednesday (October 7) who helped provide students with better vision and free books as part of a new literacy initiative.
The Kendra Scott Foundation and VSP Vision’s “Eyes of Hope” program were both on campus to unveil a first-of-its-kind initiative. The two organizations are partnering for a co-branded Yellow Library collaboration designed to support both academic success and a life-long love of reading. The two organizations say that when children can see clearly and have access to books that spark curiosity and imagination, they are better positioned to succeed in school and pursue their dreams. Raye-Allen was the first campus to receive the benefits of the initiative, which the two organizations hope to expand to nine other campuses during the 2026-2027 school year.
The VSP Eyes of Hope program provides free eye exams and free eyewear for up to 50 qualifying students per campus visit. More than 40 Raye-Allen students were expected to receive the free exams and screenings on Wednesday, and with VSP’s 40-foot mobile clinic on site, most of those needing glasses were able to take home a pair of prescription eyewear that same day. The goal of the program is to help ensure that students are connected with vision resources they need to thrive in school and beyond.
“We want to empower human potential through sight,” said Clark Jorgensen, VSP Eyes of Hope Community Engagement Manager. “That is our goal every time we do eye exams and provide free eyewear. We want to make sure kids are feeling confident in class, so that when they come to school, they have the tools they need to learn.”
The Kendra Scott Foundation worked with First Book to donate $2,000 worth of books to Raye-Allen Elementary. A guest reader shared one of her favorite books with second and fourth graders during the unveiling of a Yellow Library in the school’s cafeteria. Those students also received a gift bag that included a book, reading log, and bookmark to take home with them during the event.
“We want students to be able to see themselves in the books that they read,” said Kelly Krause, Senior Director of Philanthropy for the Kendra Scott Foundation. “We want them to be able to go to the shelves and find those books, come back time after time, and build confidence in reading.”
The Kendra Scott Foundation reached out to Raye-Allen Elementary Principal Jenny Schoel about bringing the Yellow Library initiative to campus, and the project grew to include the VSP Eyes of Hope collaboration. Schoel says the impact of having both programs come to Raye-Allen means so much to her, and she is extremely proud to be able to offer these kind of opportunities to her students and families.
“I really believe that a school should be a light in the community, and that is exactly what these programs are doing,” Schoel said. “We have students that are going to walk out of here with glasses today and that can completely change their education and their opportunities in life. To me that’s what our mission is as educators. Getting books in the hands of our students - in English, in Spanish, or dual language - books that are exciting and that they want to read. A love of reading creates lifelong readers and that also changes lives. It is so special to be able to do this for our kids.”