There is a tremendous need for recycled glasses throughout the world. Each year, individuals donate approximately seven million pairs of glasses to their Lions Clubs International Eyeglass Recycling Centers. The New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (NJLERC) at the Katzenbach School in West Trenton, NJ handles approximately 1,200,000 pair each year.

The purpose of the NJLERC as an organization is to collect, clean, neutralize and designate the prescription of used eyeglasses and to store and package them for distribution to needy groups and individuals throughout the world.

The NJLERC was originally established as a regional project within District 16-B a few years prior to the first board being formed in 1997-98. The original Board consisted of members in several clubs within District 16B.

Soon after its inception, NJLERC obtained a 501(c) 3 classification from the IRS as a Non-Profit Organization (6/10/97). NJLERC also received a State of New Jersey “Tax Exempt Organization” permit (11/06/97). The center became a New Jersey Lions “State Approved” Project in 2000 and is recognized by Lions Club International as one of eleven approved centers in operation in the united states.