An online company is partnering with the Salvation Army to provide eyeglasses to Western Pennsylvanians living in poverty for only the cost of postage.
Payne Glasses in Upper St. Clair and The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said Tuesday the company would provide up to 5,000 pairs of glasses for only the $4.95 cost of shipping. Those interested must meet poverty guidelines and have a prescription from an eye doctor, Salvation Army spokeswoman Ava Henderson said.
“Applicants should visit their local Salvation Army and bring a photo ID, proof of guardianship of children, proof of current address, and proof of income from the last 30 days,” Henderson said.
Henderson said it made sense to announce this offer this time of year.
“Just before the holidays we talk with a lot of people who find themselves qualifying for financial assistance … Why not also make the glasses available to them?” she said.
Damon Himes, marketing director at Payne Glasses, said the company is “thrilled to team up with The Salvation Army in order to make sure that all Western Pennsylvanians have access to high quality and fashionable prescription eyewear, even when they are experiencing financial hardship.”
For more information, call 412-446-1500 or visit www.wpa.salvationarmy.org for a listing of Salvation Army locations.
If the new program succeeds this year, Payne Glasses said it would like to expand the effort.
“In coming years, we would like to double or triple the number we can help,” said the company’s Katie Himes.
