Mission Moment: Charles McKinnies
At 90 years old, Charles McKinnies has no plans of slowing down.

Although completely blind, he works at the San Antonio Lighthouse manufacturing plant and enjoys coming to work every day.

“The Lighthouse is a special place for people like me who are blind,” Charles said. “It’s hard to get a job when you’re blind.”

Charles’ vision started deteriorating in 1994 when he was diagnosed with glaucoma. The Lighthouse's rehabilitation program helped him learn how to navigate life with vision loss and he eventually started working at the Lighthouse as a sewing machine operator. Currently, he packages writing instruments assembled at the Lighthouse.

In the last 17 years, Charles has built strong relationships with his coworkers.

“We call everybody family,” Charles said. “We’re not related or anything, but just the closeness of working together all the time. The Lighthouse is another home.” 
Photo of Charles McKinnies standing out the San Antonio Lighthouse Eads Location. He is wearing a spurs cap, sunglasses and is holding a mobility cane. “The Lighthouse is a special place for people like me who are blind.” – Charles McKinnies
107% of your Donation Empowers the Blind and Vision Impaired
We're thrilled to be a part of Valero's Champions Fore Charity event this year!

Donate to our cause through Champions fore Charity and 107% of your donation goes directly to San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.
Did You Know?
Making small adjustments to your social media posts can mean a world of a difference to a blind or vision impaired person who is using assistive technology to browse social media. An easy way to be more inclusive is by adding descriptions to the images you upload.
 
For Instagram: When you are ready to write a caption for your image, select “Advanced settings” at the bottom of your screen. Next, you will find a section titled “Accessibility” with the option to write an alternative text. This is where you will describe your image.
 
For Facebook: Select the photo you are uploading, hover over the photo and click “Edit.” There will be an automatically generated alternative text of your photo, but you may click “Override generated alt text” to create your own. 
Meet the Board Chair: Marco Aldaz
Why do you serve on the San Antonio Lighthouse Board?
I serve to give of myself to the Lighthouse organization and its mission and to give back to the San Antonio community. The greatest gift in life is to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

What do you love the most about the San Antonio Lighthouse?
What I love most about the San Antonio Lighthouse are its people (staff and employees) and the organization’s big heart for all we serve.

What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies are playing the guitar, reading about leadership and snorkeling

What is a fun fact about you?
I was a scuba diver for more than 30 years and once had a close encounter with a 15-foot barracuda shark

Occupation?
Retired from US Government
Headshot of Marco Aldaz wearing a light blue polo and glasses looking at the camera and smiling. Quote that reads "The greatest gift in life is to be part of something bigger than yourself." Marco Aldaz, Board Chair, San Antonio Lighthouse