Community Involvement
Giving back to the communities we serve through outreach, education, and support
Giving Back
At West Metro Eye, we believe in being more than just an eye care provider. We are committed to making a positive impact in our community—both locally and globally—through various outreach programs and charity initiatives.
Throughout the year, our team members and the company as a whole actively support local community projects and organizations. From volunteering time and resources to partnering with worthy causes, we strive to give back in meaningful ways that strengthen the neighborhoods we serve in the greater Twin Cities area. Our employees are encouraged to get involved personally, reflecting our shared values of compassion, health, and service.
A highlight of our annual giving efforts is the Step-by-Step Challenge where our staff collectively push for wellness while raising funds for a selected cause. The total funds raised are then generously contributed to the chosen organization. We proudly partner with both local groups addressing needs in our Minnesota communities and international organizations tackling broader global challenges. Some of the recent groups and initiatives we have partnered with are the following:
Partner Organizations
Thumbs Up!
Elk River, MN
Thumbs Up! is a non-profit organization that provides resources for those struggling with their mental health as well as awareness programs to reduce the stigma attached to mental health conditions.
Founded in 2014 by several community members in honor of two great men, Bob Schmit and Chuck Dahlheimer, who like many others took their lives after living in silence from a mental illness. Thumbs Up! is all about EMBRACING those who are struggling and breaking the stigma around mental health—connecting, supporting, and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges and to "KEEP MOVING FORWARD".
The organization is dedicated to educating and teaching about mental illness, the warning signs of suicide, what you can do to help others who struggle, and community awareness initiatives.
West Metro Eye is proud to support Thumbs Up! through participation in their annual Thumbs Up! 5K event. Here we are participating in the 2025 Race:
Visit Thumbs Up!
Dodoma Christian Medical Center
Central Tanzania
Dodoma Christian Medical Center (DCMC) was launched in 2003 with a focus on community health in rural villages. Today it is a thriving 125-bed medical center with nearly 150 employees. From safe childbirth and surgeries, to dental care and comprehensive family medicine, DCMC has become the facility of choice for reliable, high-quality healthcare throughout Central Tanzania.
DCMC aims to provide quality, compassionate healthcare for all in safe, clean facilities with comprehensive services available. Their vision is to bring health and hope to the people of Tanzania.
The organization is committed to ensuring sustainable, life-changing healthcare and operating with integrity with all partners and supporters.
Feed My Starving Children
Coon Rapids, MN
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding starving children hungry in body and spirit. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, FMSC has grown into a global hunger relief organization.
Their mission is clear: "We want to reach everyone, until ALL are fed." This means reaching the hard-to-reach people and places—the "least of these." Through volunteer-packed meals specifically designed for malnourished children, FMSC partners with organizations and ministries across the globe to end hunger.
Volunteers of all ages come together to hand-pack nutritious MannaPack™ meals that are shipped to partners in nearly 100 countries. Each meal costs only about 29 cents and provides essential vitamins and nutrients to help children thrive.