LI Man, Legally Blind, Volunteers At Long Island Cares: 'Automatic Impulse'

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Byron Crutcher is determined to not let his legally blind status prevent him from helping those in need.

Crutcher, 68, of Commack, volunteers at Long Island Cares's Hauppauge headquarters once a week. Crutcher, who is 75 percent visually impaired, takes an Uber to the nonprofit's warehouse every Friday, where he sorts and pack hundreds of pounds of food donations over two hours.

He has been volunteering with the food bank for approximately six months after moving to Long Island from Spear Fish, South Dakota, where he was attending Black Hills State University. He said he would like to add an additional day or two each week.

Crutcher said his reasons for volunteering his self and time come from a "personal" place.

"First, my belief in God and Christ and, the manner in which my dear mother raised me, I don't need any encouragement," Crutcher told Patch. "It's an automatic impulse when I see people who are in need like the elderly; women with children who cannot get out because of the little ones; and the handicapped. I cannot understand why others would not give of themselves."

Crutcher remembers when he was a little boy, how his mother struggled to take care of four growing children.

"I have a great respect for the elderly and just adore the little angels," Crutcher said. "I will not let my eye problems prevent me from doing what I must."

Crutcher said he is currently at a blind rehabilitation center for a six-week program on learning how to manage everyday life for someone losing their eyesight by using the several apparatuses they tutor on.

"I am hopeful that, one day in the very near future, I will be able to return to college get enough credits and training so that I can be a peer substance abuse counselor, and, of course, help visually impaired people and the totally blind," Crutcher said. "If I can, I will make every effort to accomplish these goals to help just a handful of my fellow human beings. Then, my life will have been meaningful and fulfilled."

Crutcher is a proud veteran committed to serving others.

"Byron’s positivity and determination are infectious," Long Island Cares wrote in its newsletter. "He refuses to let anything hold him back ... With every box packed and every shift worked, Byron proves that challenges are no match for a heart set on giving back. His story reminds us that no matter our circumstances, we can make a difference."