Eyeglasses for the Homeless

Please Donate to "The Boxes"

From now until March 20, all money collected at "The Boxes" will go to the 2009 Indy Homeless Connect for the purchase of eyeglasses for our homeless neighbors. Yesterday, Mayor Ballard and the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) announced the 2009 Indy Homeless Connect, which will serve hundreds of homeless individuals and families. This year's event will be held on March 20, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center.

This one-day event offers dozens of core services to homeless clients such as acute medical care, food, mental health counseling, legal advice, employment guidance, and housing assistance - all under one roof. Indy Homeless Connect also provides non-essential "extra care" services, like free phone calls, massages, books, and haircuts. Last year, more than 450 volunteers and 50 organizations served the needs of over 600 homeless neighbors. Residents, businesses, service providers or charitable organizations interested in volunteering or making donations to Indy Homeless Connect should visit http://www.chipindy.org or call (317) 472-7640.

Mayor Greg Ballard, his wife Winnie, and Sharon O'Brien, wife of Indiana Pacers head coach and CHIP board member Jim O'Brien, will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the fourth annual event.

About "The Boxes"

As of March 4, 2009, the total amount collected from "The Boxes" since they were installed is $4,848.77. One hundred percent of the money donated goes to CHIP. The Coalition then distributes money to service providers throughout the city. CHIP donates the time and manpower used to distribute the money and takes no funds for operating expenses.

There are currently 5 donation boxes located downtown. They can be found at:
* Southwest corner of the circle near South Bend Chocolate Co
* Southeast corner of Washington and Illinois
* Northwest corner of Meridian and Maryland
* Southwest corner of Illinois and Market
* Northeast corner of Pennsylvania and Ohio