BCO Cares in Your Community

At Big City Optical, your eye health is just the beginning. We believe in seeing the world more clearly and making it better for everyone around us. From running donation drives to supporting local nonprofits our patients choose, BCO Cares shows our commitment.

We give back and help strengthen the Chicago communities we call home.

A father carrying his child on his shoulders while strolling.<br />

Partnering With WINGS for Hope and Support

Big City Optical proudly supports WINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Through seasonal WINGS donation drives, our team and community members collect lightly used clothing and essentials.

These include shoes, coats, hats, and warm gear.

We donate these items directly to the WINGS center.

Each donated item brings comfort and dignity to people rebuilding their lives. Each drive brings our community together to lift one another up. Our ongoing collaboration with WINGS allows us to amplify impact beyond eyewear and vision care.

Standing with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of our proudest ongoing commitments. St. Jude leads pediatric research and care for serious childhood illnesses. Families never get a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

Big City Optical’s donations fund important research. They also support families. These donations give hope to children and parents facing major challenges. We’re honored that our work allows us to play a small part in the global effort.

This effort aims to transform care and improve outcomes for children everywhere.

A woman selecting eyeglasses at Big City Optical.<br />

Community Giving with Patient-Selected Causes

BCO Cares goes beyond one initiative; it reflects what matters to our patients.
We empower patients to help guide where our donations go each year. This collaborative approach has helped support reputable and impactful organizations like:

PAWS Chicago, one of the largest no-kill animal welfare organizations in the United States.
The Center on Halsted, advancing health and well-being for LGBTQ+ communities
WINGS and other survivor support services
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, empowering youth through mentorship, education, and enrichment programs

These partnerships mirror the passions and values of the people we serve. Together, we extend compassion, resources, and support to causes that matter most to you.

BCO’s Local Impact Through Donation Requests

Alongside program-specific drives, Big City Optical runs a Donation Request Program.

It supports registered nonprofits and charitable initiatives across the Chicago area.

Through this program, organizations that improve community well-being can apply for donations to support:

  • Fundraisers and community support events
  • Outreach programming
  • Local services that increase access to care and opportunity

This is another way BCO Cares channels resources directly where they’re needed most.

BCO’s Local Impact Through Donation Requests

Big City Optical has always been part of the neighborhoods we serve. Our patients aren’t just appointments on a schedule. They’re families, teachers, students, small business owners, and lifelong Chicagoans.

Because we live and work here, we care about this community.

We believe our work is more than eye exams and designer eyewear. It means showing up, investing locally, and supporting the people and organizations that make Chicago stronger.
When you choose Big City Optical, you support a practice that reinvests in your community.

A father carrying his child on his shoulders while strolling.<br />

Vision That Gives Back

At Big City Optical, we believe vision extends beyond sight; it includes purpose, connection, and community. Through BCO Cares:

  • We help families stay warm and supported.
  • We fuel life-changing pediatric research.
  • We back patient-selected causes large and small.
  • We empower local organizations building stronger communities.

We are proud to care for Chicago’s vision and even prouder to care for its heart.

Get Involved

Whether you want to join a donation drive, nominate an organization, or learn how your visit helps, we’d love you to join us.

Are you part of a registered nonprofit organization serving the Chicago area?

Big City Optical welcomes donation requests that align with our mission of improving community well-being. To be considered:

  • Organizations must be registered nonprofits
  • Requests should support community-focused initiatives
  • Applications must be submitted through our official Donation Request form

Together, we see further and give more.