With the dip in temperature outside, it’s time for some fall cleaning and decor updating around the house! A change in season definitely requires a change in my environment, spirit, and mental spaces for me. For the environment, that means deep cleaning the house and installing fall decor and candles. After cleaning, I start my summer clothing storage and fall purge. I start with the kid’s closets first: tucking summer items away and donating items they have outgrown. If I still have energy, I tackle my dresser and closet (or save the task for the following weekend).

When I walked into my bedroom yesterday, I had a eureka moment: What about purging your glasses? I’ll admit, I have quite a few pair that I no longer wear and even some that I purchased that I didn’t like when they arrived. What should I do with them? Who would want an old pair of my glasses? Just like clothing, purses, and furniture, donating gently used eyewear could save a life or three.

Research shows that there are over 1 billion (yes, with a “b”) people around the world with vision loss and lack of access to eye care that could regain their sight with a simple pair of glasses. Really think about that. A pair of your old glasses could help a child see at school or help someone read important documents. In this week’s issue, we’ll discuss where and how to donate eyeglasses to those in need!

Just Like with any material donation, donating eyewear is easy!

First things first, make sure your donation can be reused. You don’t want to donate damaged eyewear that cannot be repaired. That defeats the purpose. A few issues ago, we talked about cleaning and repairing eyewear at home (there’s a cleaning video on our Instagram page). Take a moment to tighten up screws and hinges. Remember, the donations may be going to someone with a lack of resources to get the eyewear repaired.

Secondly, find the right donation center near you or an online service. There are so many sites and local offices that offer eyewear missions. I hear you loud and clear: “But Keirston, where do I start?” Here are my tips:

1. Check with your local Goodwill or donation center. My local Goodwill accepts eyewear, and my donation was very easy. I placed the cleaned glasses and unused cleansing cloths in ziplocks sandwich bags. Simply ask the donation center if they accept eyeglasses. If yes, have your donation ready to go!

2. Check with your local church. Many churches offer mission trips, services, & assistance. If the church doesn’t accept the eyewear (especially during the pandemic), ask if they could recommend an organization.

3. Check one of these sites: OneSight (www.onesight.org); Eyes of Hope (vspglobal.com) or visit your local Lenscrafters or Pearle Vision.

4. When in doubt, talk to your eye doctor. He or she can definitely direct you to the donation center that best fits your region.

THIS WEEK’S EYEWEAR:

Frame “Chandra” from www.voogueme - current price $14.99 | Custom tee shirt from lemonsxandxhoney via Etsy.

I originally purchased this frame from www.wherelight.com. However, they are currently sold out. Since I know most sites offer the same frames, I knew I would find the frame (maybe in another color) on another site favorite. There they were, and on sale, via www.voogueme.com.

I adore this frame. The dark amber tortoiseshell frame is perfect for fall weather. I paired these frames with my custom “Eye Whisperer” necessory tee shirt, navy blazer from J.Crew (yes, fall is blazer season over here), and high waist dark denim jeans cuffed above my brown leather oxford shoes.

Justine was pulled up into a high puff and headband. These statement frames stand alone, but the look wouldn’t be complete without my signature large hoop earrings.

All About Chandra:

That 9-5: These frames are in heavy rotation in the office, especially in the fall/winter seasons!

Girl’s Day Out: Yes ma’am Pam! I have been seen at Brunch and Late-Night fun with the girls in these beauties!

BAE Night: Yes, I actually like to pair them with all black number for date night with the hubs!

Loungin’: Yes! These are actually a go-to during football/basketball season with the kiddies!

Overall, I give these glasses a 4 out of 5. The frames are fun and the point of the cat-eye is sharper than most that I own. I didn’t give the frames a 5 because I’m constantly having to clean the lenses. That’s my fault for choosing basic lenses. If you choose to give these frames a try, the hue is darker than the photo above. It is a dark amber, but also comes in black/white.

I strive to always do my part in helping others. That help does not always require a monetary donation. It can be an encouraging word, a listening ear, or in this case, donating items to someone. It is so important to me to show my children and others that though I am a minuscule part of this world, a simple act of kindness can be the change someone else may need for a moment, a day, or a lifetime.

Take a moment today to ask yourself - how have you impacted the world today?

Special thanks to lemonsxandxhoney for creating my first tee shirt. Visit their Etsy shop today!

Until next week and daily on Instagram @_necessory_

Stay safe & wear a mask!

-Keirston