Peepers for Teachers: Celebrating the Educators Who Inspire Us Every Day
Based near Michigan City, Indiana, we’ve long known that teachers — especially seasoned educators — make up a large part of the Peepers family. They’re some of our most loyal customers because they rely on our reading glasses to do their daily work: grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and shaping young minds. Peepers for Teachers is our heartfelt way of saying thank you.
A Back to School Party with a Purpose
Every year before school starts, we host a Peepers Back to School Party at our headquarters. It’s more than just an event — it’s a celebration. We open our doors (and parking lot!) to teachers from across the region, offering free glasses, food, raffles, school supplies, and a well-deserved afternoon of appreciation.
It’s grown year after year, and the smiles we see — and stories we hear — remind us why we keep doing it. Here’s a look back at our Back to School Parties over the years — each one a celebration of the incredible educators who inspire us.
2024
Last year, the event took place in the newly established Peepers Park, and it was our biggest yet! More than 330 teachers and educational staff came out to celebrate with us — more than double the attendance from last year.
We gave away thousands of glasses, free snacks from local food trucks, and thoughtful raffle prizes. More importantly, we saw firsthand the joy and relief on teachers’ faces as they picked out eyewear that will help them do their jobs more comfortably and confidently.
2023
Held on August 3rd, 2023, this year’s event brought together 158 educators from 32 different schools and organizations — a wonderful mix of returning friends and first-time guests.
The parking lot was transformed into a summer celebration. A food truck served up treats, and we had sweet cookies and drinks that kept everyone cool and happy. Our live music set the mood as educators mingled and enjoyed the festivities.
Every teacher went home with a fresh pair of Peepers, essential school supplies, and the chance to win special prizes through raffles.
2022
In 2022, we welcomed 113 teachers from 21 area schools, and made sure that every single attendee left with something special.
The event featured $2,000 worth of giveaways, including school supplies, classroom essentials, and Peepers eyewear. Whether they won a raffle or simply picked out their favorite frames, no one walked away empty-handed.
We loved seeing familiar faces return from previous years, and hearing how past gifts — from speakers to supplies — had helped brighten their classrooms and ease the strain on their personal budgets.
2021
Our 3rd annual event on August 5th, 2021 saw 107 educators brave the summer heat for a day of fun and appreciation.
This year’s highlights included special prize baskets awarded to four lucky teachers. These baskets were overflowing with classroom décor, hand sanitizer, cardstock, flair pens, and other teaching staples. But we also went bigger: we added high-value prizes like JBL Bluetooth speakers, USB charging stations, and even a Dyson Hot & Cold fan, which sparked quite the buzz among the crowd.
The three schools that received major prize packages were:
- Springfield Elementary School (Michigan City, IN)
- Kingsbury Elementary School (LaPorte, IN)
- New Prairie Elementary School (New Prairie, IN)
2020
The 2nd Peepers for Teachers celebration in 2020 was a drive-through parking lot party due to Covid-19 restrictions. It is important that we support our local community during hard times! We handed out goodie bags to each teacher that came out. They received readers, sunglasses, and essential teacher supplies.
2019
Our inaugural Peepers for Teachers celebration in 2019 was the beginning of something beautiful. In total, we were able to donate approximately 1,000 pairs of glasses to educators who dedicate their days — and often their personal resources — to shaping the future.
Several standout educators received recognition and prizes, including:
- Ashley, Michigan City High School
- Barbara, Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools
- Diane, Joy Elementary
- Michelle, Marsh Elementary
…and others who exemplify what it means to lead, inspire, and support students.
Our very first event was what set the tone for what would become a cherished tradition.
