As we reach the end of this year's Gift of Light Campaign, we want to share our sincere thanks for the volunteers and donors that make this very special project possible.  Volunteers from Red Lane Baptist Church, along with students from several area schools, pitched in on Sunday afternoon to assemble and place 2,000 luminaries to add to the beauty of the Metro Richmond Zoo's Miracle of Christmas Live Nativity.  

Proceeds from the sale of the luminaries go directly to support our children's programs, which work very closely with schools and school nurses to protect the healthy vision of our students.  By making sure that students who need glasses or other vision care have them, we are helping to remove barriers to success for the 25% of children who have a vision problem significant enough to affect their ability to learn.  

Donations to support this campaign and our children's programs are still being accepted here.  It's not too late to experience the Miracle of Christmas, either; there are three final presentations tonight.  Click here for the schedule and additional details about the event. 

This campaign is sponsored by Virginia Eye Institute, with additional sponsorships from Stoever & Palmore, Transamerica, Hilldrup, and Foley Creative Solutions. 

We are so happy to announce the birth of Emmett James Garber!  Born to Lauren and Matt Garber on November 25 at 4:42AM.  Emmett (EJ) weighed in at 7lbs. 8oz. and measured 21”.  He is the 3rd son of the proud parents.  As many of you know, Lauren is our WHEELS Specialist and will be on extended maternity leave through the remainder of the school year.  Best wishes to the growing Garber family!!!

WHAT IS GIVING TUESDAY?  We have a day for giving thanks, and two for getting deals.  Now we have Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to giving back!! On Tuesday, December 2nd people from all around the world will come together for one common purpose; to celebrate generosity and to give!   

We hope that you will consider becoming a part of this new holiday giving tradition by supporting the very important work of Conexus!  Giving has never been easier! You can make a gift right from your smartphone by texting CONEXUS to 41444, or you can make a secure online gift by clicking here.  Please feel free to share this important message and encourage your friends and family to join the new holiday tradition – Giving Tuesday!!!

The Better Business Bureau is also taking this opportunity to encourage donors to give wisely - and Conexus is recognized by the BBB as an accredited charity, meeting or exceeding all of their standards for charity accountability.  You can feel confident that your gift will go directly towards protecting children's precious vision.