In a world where many are in need of basic healthcare, acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Rotary Club of Historic Folsom member Randy Boxell is a shining example of how one person’s dedication can ripple across borders and change lives.
At 82 years young, Boxell isn’t slowing down. After joining the local Rotary Club just a few months ago, his latest accomplishment, driven by Rotary’s core value of “Service Above Self,” was spearheading an extraordinary effort to donate over 2,250 pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses to those in need, bringing the gift of sight to underserved communities in Mexico.
The mission was made possible through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom and the Folsom Lions Club, an organization Boxell has been a member of since 1978. Most recently, the Historic Folsom Rotary and Boxell worked closely with Lions Past District Governor Don Ring to gather and prepare the glasses for donation. For decades, the Lions Club has been known for its program to provide refurbished glasses to those in need.
The massive collection, which filled multiple boxes, was delivered to Flying Samaritans, an organization that provides free medical care, including vision services, to people living in remote areas of Baja California. These glasses are being used at Flying Samaritans’ optical clinic in the farming community of San Quintín, where access to eye care is rare and precious.
For many in this region, the inability to afford glasses means living with impaired vision, affecting everything from their ability to work to their quality of life. Thanks to Boxell’s efforts, hundreds of individuals will now have the chance to see clearly, many for the first time in years.
“Randy demonstrates what it means to be a Rotarian. When posed with a project, he is always willing to put his all into it,” said Conni Thompson, co-president of the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom. “He is a valuable, contributing member who makes sure our projects are a success. We appreciate serving alongside him.”
The mission of Flying Samaritans extends beyond vision care. This group of volunteers—ranging from doctors and nurses to pilots and translators—travels to rural communities to offer a variety of medical services free of charge. Their work is entirely sustained by donations and the commitment of volunteers like Boxell, who believe in the power of giving back.
For Boxell, this project wasn’t just about collecting glasses. It was about making a tangible difference in the lives of people who have so little. The ability to see clearly is something many of us take for granted. But for people in these communities, it’s life-changing. Randy’s compassion and dedication remind us of the true spirit of philanthropy. Boxell, humble when it comes to recognition, simply loves to help others.
“I love it. I love helping others any way I can,” said Boxell, who has been a barber by trade for 57 years and donates his time to numerous causes across the community. “That’s what keeps me going.”
This spirit of giving doesn’t stop with Boxell. Rotary Club member Albert Chavez flew into Mexico last Friday afternoon, volunteering his time to support the Flying Samaritans’ latest mission. Chavez was working alongside medical professionals to assist with clinics, helping ensure that as many people as possible receive care during the team’s visit. His efforts further underscore the impact organizations like Rotary and Flying Samaritans can have when they come together to address global needs.
“I decided five years ago to become the man I needed to be for myself. Now I have my family back, my self-respect back, and I get to give back to my community and do volunteer work to help others,” said Chavez. “I’m giving my heart to the world and want nothing in return except the experience.”
The Rotary Club of Historic Folsom has long been committed to serving both local and international communities, and this latest effort is a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity. The club takes pride in its members, who continually step up to support humanitarian causes, whether it’s building water wells in Africa, providing food to those in need locally, or helping deliver healthcare in Mexico.
Philanthropy, at its core, is about creating connections—bridging gaps between those who have and those who need. Boxell’s initiative to collect glasses for Flying Samaritans serves as a powerful reminder that, with a little effort and a lot of heart, we can all play a role in making the world a better place. Each pair of glasses represents not just improved vision, but hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for someone who might otherwise be left in the dark.
The Rotary Club encourages anyone interested in making a difference to get involved. Medical professionals, in particular, are in high demand to volunteer for the Flying Samaritans’ weekend clinics. The rewards are immeasurable—not just for the individuals receiving care, but for the volunteers who leave knowing they’ve made a real impact.
Boxell’s dedication to service continues to inspire those around him. What started as a small project to collect glasses has grown into a heartfelt mission, touching the lives of countless people and embodying the Rotary Club’s mission to foster goodwill and improve the quality of life for communities worldwide.
For those looking to follow in Boxell’s footsteps, there are endless opportunities to lend a helping hand. Whether through donating time, resources, or expertise, the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom is always welcoming new members and partners in their quest to serve others. Folsom offers several Rotary organizations, as well as Lions and other service groups, to get involved with.
Folsom’s Community Service Day brings the city together this Saturday, with thousands of volunteers helping on numerous projects across the city. Boxell will be among them. Additionally, the day kicks off at Lakeside Church with various donation drives, including a collection of used eyeglasses for missions like this recent one.
“Anyone who has old eyeglasses they aren’t using should donate them to this program,” Boxell shared. “When the Lions receive them, they work with volunteers and Folsom Prison to clean them, determine their prescription, and prepare them for the program. The project has evolved so much, and it’s so important.”
With volunteers like Randy Boxell, Albert Chavez, and others leading by example, Folsom has once again shown that generosity knows no borders—and the world is a little brighter because of it.
In addition to the ongoing need for eyeglasses, the Historic Folsom Rotary notes that Flying Samaritans is always in need of volunteers for missions. Those interested can learn more at www.flyingsamaritans.net.
