Van Nuys School For The Blind Needs Your Help

Van Nuys - There aren't many resources for the blind in the Los Angeles area, and if the Van Nuys School for the Blind closes due to financial woes, there'll be even fewer.

FOX 11's Susan Hirasuna has the story in the video report.

If you'd like more information about the Van Nuys School for the Blind, also known as the Visually Handicapped Adults of the Valley, please check out rpinternational.org . You'll also find more information about the raffle of two $6,000 Lasik surgeries. Each $25 dollar donation qualifies as an entry for the prizes.

Story Script:

WEEK TO WEEK... THAT'S HOW THE VAN NUYS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND HAS TO OPERATE NOW.

Patricia O'Conner, Student
We're just all broken hearted about this.

THE SCHOOL LOST A $75,000 GRANT FROM THE CITY AT THE END OF 2010.

THAT PALTRY FIGURE BARELY PAID FOR THE TEACHERS AND TWO DAYS OF ACTIVITIES.

Patricia O'Conner, Student
You're taking away a day or two of something that is very important to us.

IF THE SCHOOL CLOSES, THERE ARE FEW ALTERNATIVES IN THE AREA FOR THOSE WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED.

RIGHT NOW, THE SCHOOL EXISTS ON PRIVATE DONATIONS AND HOPE... HOPE THAT A RAFFLE FOR TWO LASIK SURGERIES WILL BRING IN ENOUGH MONEY TO CARRY ON.

IF FUNDING DOES RUN OUT AND THE SCHOOL CLOSES, IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN THE END.

THERE'S A RATHER PUGNACIOUS WOMAN WHO LIVES HERE WHO'S BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE SCHOOL FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS.

THE SCHOOL'S PRESIDENT, HELEN HARRIS, IS AN AUTHOR, PAINTER, AND ADVOCATE FOR THE BLIND.

Helen Harris, School President
It breaks your heart when you see how much can be done with so little. It's so little money and a team full of volunteers and can change the world for so many people.

EVEN NOW, RECOVERING FROM CANCER, SHE MAKES THE CALLS SHE HOPES WILL KEEP HER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND OPEN EVEN FOR ONE MORE WEEK.

THE SCHOOL HAS ENOUGH FUNDING FOR MAYBE ONE OR TWO MORE WEEKS.