This time of year we think about what we are grateful for, perhaps looking around for something significant to be part of. Unfortunately, many conversations of late are starting or ending with, “you know with the economy.”
Even with the current economical situation as it is, the majority of Americans are above the poverty line. What about those families who truly are on hard times – homeless, hungry, and without Medicare? Neither State nor Government politicians seem to agree when it comes to helping those who are in dire need, but there is a place that does.
Globus Relief, established in 1996 is a company that provides medical equipment and supplies to Non-Government Organizations registered as non-profit companies.
According to Ash Robinson President of Globus Relief, “We are partnering with charities, corporations, hospitals and governments working to provide access to improved healthcare in over 100 countries throughout the developing world and here at home.”
The company has no field operations of their own; they count on charities and organizations for their expertise. So not to duplicate their efforts, they specialize as a wholesale distributor to supply other organizations and to complement the specialized work of other groups.
100,010 sq. ft. is shared between two warehouses storing mixed medical supplies that need to be sorted and packaged. This is where the charity of volunteers makes an impact on the community and healthcare efforts worldwide.
Laura McDade (Globus Relief Volunteer Coordinator) says there are 400 lbs. of mixed medical supplies and 200 pallets full of expiration dates sitting in the warehouse that she needs volunteers to help sort through and separate by dates. This year they expect to have 24,000 volunteer hours, equal to nine full time employees, this will be double the volunteer hours for the previous year. Their contribution helps keep unnecessary medical supplies out of landfills which in turn supplies medical equipment to doctors, charities, clinics, and hospitals effecting the humanitarian efforts locally, nationally, and internationally.
During the floods in Pakistan the company created packages from their medical supplies that included protective gear such as coveralls, gloves, and masks, used for the humanitarian clean up efforts after the Pakistani’s national disaster.
Aaron Lock, the Globus Relief Humanitarian Development Coordinator, is always thinking ahead by designing and preparing supplies, like sheet, drapes, and towels for a 25-bed hospital lasting for 3 days.