How to help the Manatee Center buy polarized sunglasses for children and adult visitors

Treasure Coast nonprofits that research, protect, restore and advocate for clean water, especially the  Indian River Lagoon , need more than holiday cheer to continue their missions.

TCPalm's annual Giving Days fundraiser highlights how you can help these nonprofit organizations continue their important environmental work. Today, we feature the:

Manatee Observation and Education Center

The Manatee Center, founded in 1996, fosters curiosity and discovery of the Treasure Coast's coastal ecology. It is a place to gather, learn, and connect with the natural beauty and wild wonder of the Indian River Lagoon.

• Wish:Polarized sunglasses with the Manatee Center logo — 500 for children and 300 for adults — to give away to visitors engaged in manatee and wildlife viewing and to participants in outdoor education programs. They would be used during lagoon ecology field trips, waterfront walking tours, seining lessons, and guided boat tours, and taken home so children and families can continue exploring local waterways safely.

• How it will help:Polarized lenses reduce water glare, making underwater wildlife, including manatees, easier to see. Many students and families do not own polarized sunglasses, which limits comfort and engagement during outdoor learning. Providing them removes access barriers, enhances learning and wildlife observation, promotes safe outdoor recreation, and encourages continued connection with the lagoon. This pilot program will help the center evaluate the impact before expanding further.

• Cost:About $1,800 to $4,800, based on vendor quotes for polarized sunglasses with imprint. Vendor or co-branded sponsorships are welcome.

• How to donate:Contact Manager Jessica Kadie Barclay at kadiebarclay@fpua.com or donate online at ManateeCenter.org/donate.

GIVING DAYS: Read each Indian River Lagoon nonprofit's article

• Environmental Learning Center

• St. Lucie County Reef Builders

• Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County

• Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)

• Friends of the Everglades

• Environmental Studies Council

• Indian Riverkeeper

• Pelican Island Audubon Society

• Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium

• Manatee Observation and Education Center

• River Kidz

• Florida Oceanographic Society

• Dolphin Ecology Project

Cheryl Smith is TCPalm's environment editor. Contact her at cheryl.smith@tcpalm.com. Tim O'Hara  is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at tim.ohara@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Giving Days help Manatee Center Fort Pierce buy polarized sunglasses