Prior to July 2004, Lions across our Multiple District 49 collected on average 25,000 pairs of used eyeglasses.  These glasses were then shipped out to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (LERC) in California.

In July 2004, MD 49 took the first steps to establishing its own LERC.  The Aurora Borealis Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center was officially established under the guidance of Lions Clubs International.  An agreement was established with the North Star Residential Center in Ester, Alaska; a contracted subsidiary of the Alaska Department of Corrections.  This agreement provided to low-risk offenders to give back to society by processing our eyeglasses.  From July 2004 to October 2005, the recycling center operated out of the North Star Residential Center.  Unfortunately, the production was low and sporadic.

In November 2005, the North Pole Lions Club took the recycling efforts on as a major club project.  Ever since, they have conducted one or two recycling workshop days every month.  They have not been alone in this effort.  Several Interior Lions Clubs have had their Lions help in the recycling workshops.