A 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization
I Care International, Inc.
It is through membership and donations that we are able to fulfill our mission of helping others improve their quality of life with the gift of better vision and health. Please consider becoming a member or renewing your existing membership.
Becoming a member for $I0 per student, $30 per person, or $60 for a family membership per year gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to change the lives of the people we serve. There are many ways to help in addition to becoming a member. I Care needs volunteers to collect and donate used eyeglasses, as well as to clean and sort glasses for our trips. You may also volunteer to take part in one of our clinics. If interested in volunteering for one of our upcoming clinics, membership is required, and volunteers pay their own travel and lodging expenses.
Your tax-deductible contribution will help us continue our mission of helping the underserved people of the world. Please consider a membership with I Care International today!
The following is a form for an I Care International membership. Please print, fill out, and send the form to the provided address.
I Care International
880 Bedford Road
Morris, Illinois 60450
Our Co-founder
4/15/1936 – 2/15/2022
Philip A. Ortiz, O.D. journeyed into the spiritual realm on February 15, 2022, after a vibrant life. Born April 15, 1936, he was one of nine children born to Benito and Juana Ortiz, undocumented immigrants who as teens fled the violence and poverty of post-revolutionary Mexico. They met in Depue, Illinois at a railroad camp. The family was provided a rail car for housing in exchange for Benito’s labor. Those humble beginnings fostered many happy memories and desires. Phil understood one thing – the only way to get out of poverty was hard work and education, and he applied himself in every way possible.
I Care News
Thank You to Jesse Gutierrez
I Care International began as an organization on July 12, 1989. When you look back at the history of I Care, Jesse Gutierrez was a vital part of the organization and worked hand in hand with Phil Ortiz. They shared the same dream and worked hard to obtain it. Jesse...
Thank You to Our Friends From Massachusetts
A SHOUT OUT goes to Judy Chasin, along with Julie Washurn, from the Brookline Senior Center, for their second donation of eyeglasses, readers, and cheaters! Judy worked with the Senior Center participants and collected and shipped the glasses to us all the way from...
-Fundraiser Wrap Up-
Congratulations to the 2023 Fundraiser Winners! Lucy Gibbs and Mike Roche!! Jennifer Jacobs, Vice President of I Care International, did a great job hosting the raffle drawing with help from Mindy Waite and Mindy's daughter Ava, who drew the winning tickets. Local...
2023 Fundraiser Campaign Kickoff at Grundy County Fairgrounds
The I Care fundraiser kickoff was held at the Grundy County Fairgrounds in Morris, Illinois on 9/30. Our volunteer students helped with the early 6:00 a.m. setup. The event started at 8:00 and ended at 4:00. It was a great opportunity to see old friends, meet new...