Paul Pierce returned to his former stomping grounds Tuesday to help carve a clearer path for students of Inglewood.

As part of the LA Clippers Foundation, The Truth and teammate Chris Paul partnered with Vision to Learn to give free eyeglasses to students in need of them. Upon handing out 60 pairs of glasses, his former school thanked him for his contributions — but it was Paul who was truly moved by the experience.

“This is my home,” Paul said. “I try to fight back tears, because this community raised me, man. These are the kids that grew up in the same place I did. Now that we’re coming back here making a difference and being an inspiration, it’s not always about the game of basketball. It’s about making a difference.”

Los Angeles Clippers Foundation, Vision To Learn

Inglewood principal Kyle Douglas recognized how much Paul has been a positive force in the community, and explained just how much he is embraced by his alma mater.

“The place is open to him anytime,” Douglas said. “He has a key to the city. That’s a true and honest statement. For the gym, there’s a literal key. He has one. He’s welcome here anytime.”

Chris Paul was quick to attest to No. 34’s place in the Inglewood community. Just like his veteran leadership influences his teammates at the Staples Center, his sheer presence proved to be heartening in the gymnasium where it all began.

“I’ve done a ton of these for different causes, but this was maybe one of the coolest ever,” CP3 said. “Like a lot of these kids, I’ve looked up to (Paul) for many years. I’ve never been here to Inglewood High School. To be here with Paul made it much more special.”

Los Angeles Clippers Foundation, Vision To Learn

After graduating from Inglewood, Paul became a Kansas Jayhawk and then spent the first 14 years of his NBA career as a Boston Celtic. Even as an LAC swingman, Paul will always be an Inglewood Sentinel.

The lifelong Californian has always been passionate about enhancing the lives of children. In 2002, he founded The Truth Fund to provide educational and life-enriching opportunities for under-served youth. This same altruistic nature is shared by the LAC organization.

“The Clippers, this year, have a slogan,” said Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker. “It’s, ‘Together We Will.’ I’m reminded of it as I stand here, because what we’ve accomplished here in Inglewood in providing children with the ability to see, together we did. That means the children of Inglewood have the ability to figuratively and literally see their potential.”

What Paul and the Clippers did for Inglewood is the first such event in the community. All 12,000 Inglewood Unified School District students will receive exams, and about 1,800 are expected to need full-vision screening and glasses.

Los Angeles Clippers Foundation, Vision To Learn

The two Clipper stars took photos with fans, who were sporting their new frames. The students’ vision was crystal clear, and so was their gratitude.

Vision to Learn chairman and founder Austin Beutner said 95 percent of kids with vision impairments do not receive proper glasses in low-income families, which leaves lots of opportunity to help.

“When I was able to look at the statistics and look and see where I can help, it was awesome that I could bring it here to the city of Inglewood,” Paul said.

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