The Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (NW LERC) is a Washington State chartered, IRS 501 (c) 3 corporation. NWLERC was founded by area Lions Clubs and is recognized by Lions Clubs International as an official Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. The goal of NWLERC is to provide used eyeglasses free of charge to people in remote areas of developing countries via volunteer eye care professionals. NWLERC is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Where does NWLERC get used eyeglasses?

Lions Clubs gather used eyeglasses by providing collection boxes where people can donate their no-longer-needed eyeglasses. Donation boxes are located throughout the community at eye care centers, businesses and workplaces of Lions members.

What does NWLERC do with the eyeglasses?

Lions and other volunteers work at NWLERC evaluating, cleaning and cataloging donated eyeglasses. Glasses with broken or missing lenses or parts are discarded or salvaged. Gold and silver frames are recycled and the income is used to help defray the center's operating costs.

Lions clean the acceptable eyeglasses and then examine them with a lensometer to determine the prescription. The eyeglasses are then sealed in plastic bags with the prescription noted on each bag. Bagged glasses are packed into boxes according to prescriptions. They are then stored until volunteer humanitarian groups need them.

Where do the recycled eyeglasses go?

Eyeglasses collected, processed and packaged by NWLERC volunteer Lions are either used by the Center's humanitarian efforts or distributed to other humanitarian groups traveling to developing countries. These groups may include Lions traveling and operating as part of the Lions Sight First Program, Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH), World Vision, Eye Health NW, Optometry College Groups, Military Civil Assistance Groups, and numerous church groups. These groups are made up of eye doctors and other volunteers, many of whom are Lions.

How can you help NWLERC?

• Recycle your used eyeglasses, sunglasses and reading glasses. Donate them to any Lions Club member or contact a Lions Club in your area for the location of a drop-off box in your neighborhood.

• Spread the word. Tell others about NWLERC and encourage them to donate their used eyeglasses.

• Volunteer. Talk with a Lions member and learn how you can join and help in this worthwhile cause. If you wish to volunteer at our NWLERC facility, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Terri Warren via e-mail.

• Make a monetary donation. The NWLERC is funded through donations from Lions Clubs, businesses, and individuals. Please visit our Fundraising Activities page to learn more about making a donation.