Newman's Own Foundation donates $25,000 for eyeglasses

March 4, 2010

The Newman's Own Foundation, which donates profits from Newman's Own products to various charities and causes, recently gave a $25,000 donation to New Eyes for Needy, a program that supplies eyeglasses to poor individuals.

The donation will help approximately 417 children who are living in poverty receive prescription eyeglasses that they could otherwise not afford, according to the Alternative Press.

"Newman's Own Foundation's support of our U.S. eyeglass program comes at a critical time as there are 570 people on a wait list to receive eyeglasses through New Eyes," Susan M. Dyckman, executive director of the program, told the news provider.

The New Eyes program provides vouchers for eyeglasses that can be purchased in stores across the country. Once a participant is approved, they receive a voucher they can take to an eyeglass provider and exchange for free prescription glasses.

Individuals who receive the eyeglasses are typically from households that have an average income below the federal poverty level, or do not have the insurance or means to pay for their own eye care.

The foundation was founded in 1932 and has provided eyeglasses for more than 7 million individuals thus far.