See the World Clearly. Pay It Forward.
A single act of kindness has a way of traveling further than you'd ever expect.
At The Looking Glasses, we believe everyone deserves to see the world clearly — and that a single pair of glasses can change the way someone sees their future. That's the heart of our Pay-It-Forward Program.
We partner with incredible local organizations — including the Fort Collins Rescue Mission and local women's shelters — to provide free eyewear to people in our community who need it most. We've already given away hundreds of pairs of glasses, and we're just getting started.
As Kendra, one of the owners puts it: "We really believe that how you are physically seeing could have a deep impact on your mentality, which can impact how you live your life. By helping to clear up their vision, we can try to take away even a small bit of hindrance."
About the Pay it Forward Program
More Than Just Glasses
Every recipient of our Pay-It-Forward Program receives something along with their new glasses: a personalized handwritten note.
It's a word of encouragement for right where they are — and a gentle invitation to pay the kindness forward someday, in whatever way feels right to them.
Maybe that means donating to a cause when they're back on their feet. Maybe it means a smile, a kind word, or holding the door for a stranger.
The ripple effect of one act of kindness is impossible to measure — and that's exactly the point.
The Impact
We've seen firsthand how a pair of glasses can change more than just someone's vision. We once received a heartfelt message from a recipient— he hadn't had glasses in years, and getting them coincided with a major turning point in his life.
As Kendra, our other owner, shared: "He had a whole heart change... that meant so much to us to know that we had a small part to play in his bigger journey."
Clear vision. A note of encouragement. A ripple of kindness. That's the Pay-It-Forward Program.
How Your Donation Works
Here's what makes this program special: we do a lot of the work with donated supplies, donated time, and our own expertise.
Our team donates lens coatings, and all of our time at no charge. Most of the time, all we need is a small contribution to cover the cost of the frames and lenses.
That means:
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$15 can provide a complete pair of glasses for someone in need
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$30 covers a pair with upgraded lenses
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$50 helps two people see clearly
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$100 changes the lives of up to 6 people in our community
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Every dollar goes directly toward eyewear for a recipient. Just glasses on faces, notes of hope in hand, and kindness rippling outward.
Let's Make a difference
Your contribution — big or small — keeps the ripple going.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Yearly
Amount
$50
$100
$200
$1,000
A Note from The Looking Glasses
We started this program because we saw a need right here in our own community. Seeing clearly isn't a luxury — it affects your ability to work, to read, to connect with the people around you.
We're grateful to every donor, every partner organization, and every recipient who keeps this chain of kindness moving forward.
Thank you for being part of it.
— Kendra & Leanna, The Looking Glasses