AMHERST, NY -- For many years, Jesse's Children Health Mission has brought groups of volunteers to the Dominican Republic. Doctors, dentists and optometrists tend to the children of the region with donated supplies.

Robyn Young, CEO of Great Erie Federal Credit Union, is an active volunteer to the mission. She has a trip to the Dominican planned for March 2011 and will be collecting eyeglasses of any size and any prescription through January for the cause. The children will receive eye exams, with the donated eyeglasses being neutralized and re-prescribed to each.

After hearing about Young's commitment, managers at Urban Valet Dry Cleaners decided to join forces and ask their customers to donate as well. Glasses can be dropped off at the credit union at 4000 North Buffalo Road in Orchard Park, or at any of Urban Valet's locations in Hamburg, Orchard Park, or downtown Buffalo.

“We are raising the bar on local food,” says Kevin Gardner, proprietor of Five Points Bakery and just one of the many popular vendors at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market. “Sourcing our ingredients from local farmers and producers whose intentions are pure, we provide whole foods, in harmony with our values as well as our bodies. We strive to overcome the limitations of our current food system and reclaim our food heritage through education, thoughtful consideration of all we do and a dedication to sustainability.”

Primordial Strength Inc., an exercise training company based in East Aurora, integrates Systema breathing methodologies into its programs to enhance the health and well being of all its clients. The practice involves breath patterns that control heart rate, respiration and inhibition of the release of stress chemicals.