Big, beautiful bouquets to Jay Minkin, president of CO-OP Optical Eye Care Center of Stow, who moved quickly to set up an eye exam Monday for Stow’s Don Paxton.Paxton — the subject of Saturday’s column — is a paraplegic, confined to bed for 10 years and unable to leave home to have his eyes examined.Caren Young, a friend of Paxton’s wife, pleaded his case to me: “He loves to read but his eyesight has changed over the years. He’s an avid reader but does not see as well as he might with an updated prescription.”I heard from a number of other optometrists and ophthalmologists wanting to help. I thank them all.Also, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is providing Paxton with a Kindle Fire tablet, which has different font sizes and should be a great asset for his reading.An appreciative Paxton could hardly believe his good fortune: “Oh man, this is just great. I’ve been trying for two years to get someone to come out. This is probably the best Christmas present I could ever have. I’m just overwhelmed.”Massive blood drive“Imagine giving a gift that everyone wants but money can’t buy.”That’s the enticing invitation from the American Red Cross, which is co-hosting with the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls “the largest blood drive in Summit County,” 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the hotel, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. All donors will be entered to win the grand prize — a complete Best Buy home theater that includes a 42-inch TV, an XBox 360 and Blu-ray player. Two runners-up will win Apple iPad 2s. In addition to knowing that every pint of donated blood can help up to three people, there’s more. Donors will be treated to refreshments and receive a goody bag, including a pixie poinsettia from the Greenhouse of Hudson. And they’ll have a chance to win raffle prizes, including a Sheraton Suites New Year’s Eve Overnight and Party Package for two. The blood drive is sponsored by Rubber City Radio Group, Summa Health System, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, the City of Cuyahoga Falls, Gavin Scott Salon & Spa and the Village of Silver Lake.Appointments are strongly recommended. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “summa.”Fundraiser for baby MiaA “Nine Days Before Christmas” fundraiser dinner is planned for 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Dietz Landing (downstairs in Club Marxx) with all proceeds going to assist the family of baby Mia, who was born Feb. 19 with three heart chambers. She’s already undergone three open-heart surgeries with another one scheduled before she turns 2. The daughter of Bobby and Wendy Wilson of New Franklin has never been home from the hospital. She’s being treated at Mott Children’s Hospital, part of the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.The $5 ticket includes food and entertainment (donated by Larry Alltop and Martha’s Mistake) and a chance to win prizes. A silent auction and two 50/50 drawings are planned. For more information, please call 330-644-5666 and ask for Karen. Dietz Landing is located at 401 W. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron.Holiday baskets for victimsVictim Assistance Program and Furnace Street Mission are providing up to 200 holiday baskets and toys to Summit County victims of crime and trauma on Dec. 22. The families have already been identified.“Easing the pain and suffering of crime victims and their families by providing a complete holiday meal and toys is a small gesture that can make a large impact,” said Victim Assistance spokeswoman Shelley Koch. “This program is made possible through generous donations from individuals and corporations as well as support from the local law enforcement agencies. Volunteers, including the Akron Peacemakers from the mayor’s office of community relations and the Akron Police Department Explorers are helping to assemble the baskets of food and toys. The baskets will be delivered by officers from 11 police departments and volunteers.”Victim Assistance Program offers free services to crime victims 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It responds on scene and provides immediate service and follow-up.Furnace Street Mission also works closely with victims of crime, abuse and violence as well as ministering to the needs of police and fire personnel.Interested in helping fill these baskets or purchasing toys? A list of collection sites can be viewed at www.victimassistanceprogram.org or call 330-376-0040. Rising to the occasionMajor kudos to the Sons of Italy Akron Lodge No. 685, a nonprofit that donated and wrapped more than 280 gifts for Project RISE (Realizing Individual Strength through Education), which serves students and families within the Akron Public School system who are homeless. The gifts will be delivered Dec. 20. Special thanks to Sons of Italy members Mary and Jack Schifano and Norm and Antoinette Ross. For more information about Project RISE and how you can help, please call Debra Manteghi at 330-761-2969. Ceremony for foundationThe Portage Foundation, which awards grants to worthy causes, is getting a big shot in the arm from former residents who have gone on to do the region proud.Current and former Portage County residents will assemble to hold the banner high for the Portage Foundation Cabaret on April 12 at the Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown. A very special homecoming for sure.Here’s the lineup to date, as shared by foundation board member and event spokeswoman Anita Herington: • Mike Adamle — former Kent Roosevelt High School and Northwestern University standout, sports personality and former NFL player (Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and Chicago Bears) — has signed on as Master of Ceremonies. Adamle is a sports anchor and reporter at WMAQ-TV in Chicago.• Susan Banks Ward, a Ravenna native who was Miss Ohio in 1975 and runner-up in the Miss America pageant, had a successful musical career on Broadway and also toured Europe.• Dan Angotti and the DanJo 18-piece jazz/rock orchestra will serve as house band. Angotti is a Ravenna native whose band has performed internationally.• Seth Stewart, a Kent Roosevelt High School graduate, is a song-and-dance man whose latest Broadway credit was In the Heights.• Bobby Sepulveda, Ravenna native and former singer with Joe Walsh.• Tom Craven, Kent magician and veteran teacher.• Max Nolin, Kent resident and singer known for his light classical and old standards.Seating is limited to 200. For information about sponsorships or purchasing a table of eight, please call 330-474-0480. Special offerChristopher & Banks/CJ Banks stores are offering an extra 10 percent off purchases made through today (in store only) as part of their “Food for Thoughtfulness” campaign.Donate nonperishable food items to qualify.Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or emailed at jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.