What a relief!

Good works are links that form a chain of love.
—Mother Teresa

It all began in Olathe, Kansas—about 15 minutes from my home. Back in 1992, Dr. Gary Morsch traveled to Russia and witnessed a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. He then took it upon himself to organize local collection drives and major pharmaceutical companies to donate much-needed products. Even the government volunteered an Air Force cargo plane, and desperately needed medical aid was distributed. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers and caring corporate partners, the Heart to Heart Airlift was a success and Heart to Heart International (www.hearttoheart.org) was born.

Eighteen years later this relief organization continues to build a healthier world by helping people in need, doing it efficiently (FEMA should take note) and letting everyone serve—like me and some of my favorite coworkers. On Monday, May 24, we gathered at the Heart to Heart Warehouse and Distribution Center. After an inspiring video and tour of the massive facility lined with flags of the nations that have benefited from Heart to Heart relief, we proceeded to pack individual personal care packets. We filled each bag with donated personal hygiene necessities including soap, towels, hair products and more (by the way, there’s a tremendous need for toothpaste if you’d like to help out). On this particular day, we made a difference in 1,200 individual lives who will receive these necessities allowing each a semblance of dignity and hope at a most desperate and frightening time. That’s a good feeling!