NEW YORK— LensDirect.com has announced its partnership with the American Red Cross in recognition of Red Cross Month this March. The online contact lens and sunglass retailer, a subsidiary of ArkNet Media, will donate a portion of each sale to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund throughout the month.

According to LensDirect.com CEO and ArkNet Media founder Ryan Alovis, the donated proceeds will help fund continued post-Sandy relief.

“It’s an honor to work with a charity as incredible and well-respected as the American Red Cross,” said Alovis. “LensDirect.com is based in Valley Stream, New York; unfortunately, many of our employees, family members, customers, and business operations were directly impacted by the catastrophic and devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. This is a cause that is certainly near and dear to everyone in the LensDirect.com family.”

Since the superstorm first hit last Oct. 29, the Red Cross has mobilized nearly 16,800 trained workers, 90 percent of whom were volunteers, and has provided over 81,000 overnight shelter stays, 13 million meals and snacks and 7 million relief items, a statement from ArkNet said. Additionally, 112,000 health services and emotional support contacts have been provided for those living in trying conditions.

ArkNet Media is an interactive agency that owns and operates online companies including LensDirect.com, MagazineDiscountCenter.com, BirthdayPartyBooker.com and YourSecureHome.com. Founded in 2006, the company has initiated prior philanthropic positioning, such as a strategic partnership with the Silver Lining Society which has raised nearly $500,000 for the Hope & Heroes Pediatric Cancer Fund based out of the Columbia University Medical Center.

Added Alovis, “We’re so proud to be a part of this yearly celebration and we look forward to expanding this partnership even further in the future.”