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Colorado Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center

About Us

The Lions Recycle for Sight program is dedicated to collecting and distributing used eyeglasses to individuals who lack access to proper vision correction. By repurposing donated eye-wear, the program aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Global Need for Vision Correction

According to the World Health Organization, more than 150 million people around the world experience blurred vision caused by uncorrected refractive errors, including conditions like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Without access to appropriate eyeglasses, these individuals face daily challenges that can impact their quality of life.

Eyeglass Recycling Center

The Colorado Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (COLERC) operates as a 501-c3 organization under Colorado Lions Multiple District 6. Every Colorado Lion is a member of COLERC. Recognized by Lions Clubs International (LCI), COLERC is one of 13 Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs) in the United States and one of 20 worldwide. The Center, located in Denver is supplemented by satellite locations including Pueblo, Woodland Park, Golden, and Gill, Colorado and the Lions of Wyoming. Once processed, the glasses are sorted by prescription and packaged at COLERC for worldwide distribution. COLERC ensures compliance with the Lions Clubs International Guidelines LERC 425.

Collaboration with Wyoming Lions

Wyoming Lions (District 15) collaborate with COLERC to facilitate the collection and distribution of eyeglasses. Lions in both Colorado and Wyoming participate in collecting and sorting used eyeglasses. In Wyoming, collected glasses are sorted by the Wyoming Lions and processed at the Wyoming State Prison. After processing, the glasses are sent to COLERC for final sorting, packaging, and distribution.

Volunteer Operations

Relying entirely on volunteer support, COLERC’s operations are currently limited by the availability of volunteers. In some instances, Colorado Lions—especially those in District 6 West—have resorted to dropping off glasses at local Walmart stores due to a shortage of volunteers needed for processing. These glasses are then shipped by Walmart to the Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center.

Get Involved

Browse additional sections of this website for the latest annual report, sorting and processing guidelines and much more. Individuals or groups interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact COLERC at colerc.foundation@gmail.com.

Volunteer Schedule

This calendar displays the volunteer activities at the recycling center consisting of three main activities, Orientation, Training and Processing.

COLERC Processing & Distribution Center

Note: Google maps has an error in the directions. Once on Monaco St, continue North of I-70, across the first set of railroad tracks, then turn left to:

4605 Monaco Street, Denver, CO 80216

Used Glasses Drop Off Locations

Used Eyeglasses can not be dropped off at the COLERC location. Click here for locations statewide to drop off used eyeglasses.

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The mission of the COLERC is threefold:

COLERC collects used eyeglasses from through out the states of Colorado and Wyoming from vision centers and other organizations.
COLERC provides used eyeglasses to Lions and other group missions providing vision screening and assistance in developing countries. Recycled glasses are supplied only under the guidelines of Lions International Eyeglass Recycling Center policy and procedures. We only ship domestically.
COLERC also coordinates missions to various areas of Colorado and Wyoming to provide glasses for the school children.

Browse our Web site for more information about the COLERC if you have any questions or would like to speak with a representative regarding eyeglass recycling, please e-mail us at Orders@colerc.org.