When disasters strike, the right goods at the right time can change everything.

A product donation, also known as a gift-in-kind (GIK), is a contribution of physical goods — anything from hygiene kits to apparel, medical supplies to educational materials, shelf-stable food, and more. For businesses, these GIK donations can include excess or returned merchandise, repackaged inventory, discontinued stock keeping units (SKUs), or imported goods disrupted by tariffs.

Each month, World Vision receives and processes over 300 full truckloads of donated goods —well over 100,000 pallets each year. With every shipment, we provide the scale and infrastructure companies rely on — and the stewardship and accountability vulnerable communities deserve.

In the U.S., our work is anchored by a network of over 3,000 trusted churches, schools, and nonprofit partners; many of which have deep, long-lasting ties in their communities. These partners help us identify needs, deliver donations with dignity, and ensure donations support — not disrupt — local efforts.

The role of product donations in crisis and recovery
From the first days of a disaster to the long road of rebuilding, product donations help meet urgent needs and restore stability for families.

In emergencies, pre-positioned goods are often the fastest way to respond and meet the needs of a crisis, and we have strategically located stocked warehouses around the globe. When disasters hit in the U.S. or around the world, World Vision is able to respond within 24 to 72 hours with essential goods like hygiene kits, emergency food, and essential household items. In the weeks that follow, as families rebuild their lives, donated school supplies, clothing, toys, and building materials can help restore a sense of normalcy.

Beyond immediate disaster relief, product donations help families meet needs without financial strain. When essential needs are met and families begin to rebuild their lives, donated products like building supplies enable families to use their resources toward things like education or healthcare.

Stewardship you can see through tracking — from loading dock to local distribution
Every donated item that enters World Vision’s network is registered, logged, and tracked. We steward every donation with full transparency and traceability. Our logistics and warehouse management system allows us to carefully monitor:

• Intake: Register products, barcode (when needed), and log, with full documentation for taxes, compliance, and tracking.
• Vetting: Match each item with high-priority programs or vetted partners. Nothing moves until its use aligns with our ethical and strategic standards.
• Storage & logistics: Goods are stored in secure facilities and tracked by pallet, including racking location and distribution date. Shipments are dispatched via controlled systems.
• Deployment: Partners confirm receipt, often with photographic or GPS-verified delivery. This end-to-end system ensures transparency, reduces loss, and protects donor trust.

World Vision’s superior logistics provides donors with transparency, protects against misuse, and enables rapid response in a rare case of a product recall, all while maintaining a greater than 99.5% accuracy rate.

Recall-ready and risk-aware
If a donated product is recalled due to a safety or quality concerns, World Vision acts fast. Our logistics team works with the donor to identify and locate affected inventory, notify partners, and either retrieve or destroy items based on donor and regulatory guidance.

Our recall preparedness safeguards communities — and protects your brand from reputational and regulatory risk.

Brand protection and legal peace of mind
World Vision understands what’s at stake when your brand is associated with a donated item. That’s why every GIK is governed by a legal agreement that includes donor indemnification — protecting your company from liability once goods leave your care.

Under this agreement:

• You are not legally liable if a product is later implicated in a claim or issue.
• World Vision assumes full responsibility for how donated goods are handled, stored, distributed, and used.

These protections shield your company from potential lawsuits, reputational harm, or regulatory complications, and they are designed to align with compliance and risk mitigation.

When you give through World Vision, you’re not just handing off inventory. You’re partnering with an organization that values integrity, stewardship, and long-term trust — just like you.

Zero tolerance for resale
World Vision maintains a strict “do not sell” policy for all donated goods. We prohibit resale, barter, or unauthorized distribution — with a zero-tolerance standard communicated clearly to all implementing partners.

To enforce this, we conduct:

• Mandatory partner orientations on donation use and brand protection
• Monthly reporting with examples of how goods are used
• Regular site visits to ensure compliance

By upholding these standards, we protect your brand and honor the intent behind your donation by ensuring that your generosity leads to dignity, not distortion.

No dumping. No market disruption. No dependency.
Even well-intentioned donations can cause harm without careful thought. It’s a lesson the global aid sector has learned the hard way — donated clothing flooding informal markets, irrelevant goods piling up in warehouses, and aid shipments overwhelming already fragile systems.

World Vision avoids these pitfalls by putting community needs first. We don’t push product into programs. We pull only what is requested, based on:

• Local market assessments
• Ongoing partner feedback
• Cultural, seasonal, and contextual fit

That’s why we don’t just send what we receive. We receive what we know we can distribute responsibly.

Donations as a strategic asset
Your surplus products aren’t waste. They’re assets with purpose — if handled correctly. With World Vision, your product is handled with the same level of care, compliance, and communication you expect in your own supply chain. The reality is, when goods are handled irresponsibly, risks do exist — from reputational fallout and legal exposure to unintended harm in vulnerable communities. We mitigate those risks with:

• Pre-vetted distribution partners
• Usage reports and delivery evidence
• Brand protection as if your name were our own

With over 75 years of humanitarian experience and a presence in nearly 100 countries, World Vision has a proven infrastructure to move products quickly, safely, and strategically.

When you donate through World Vision, you’re investing in the dignity, recovery, and resilience of vulnerable communities — without compromising your operational integrity or brand reputation. It’s impact you can trust with safeguards you can count on.

The post Protecting your brand, delivering real impact: How World Vision handles product donations responsibly appeared first on B2B.

Last fall, severe hurricanes devastated the Southeastern United States, resulting in over $200 billion in damage. Together, the storms killed more than 460 people, displaced thousands, and left large swathes of the population without power, clean drinking water, and access to basic supplies.

Hurricane Helene struck in late September of 2024, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Hurricane Helene was among the costliest climate disasters of 2024, with damages estimated at $79.6 billion.

Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck the same area. The storm made landfall in Florida, bringing catastrophic flooding and severe wind damage. Approximately 125 homes were destroyed, and over 3 million buildings lost power.

Within 24 hours, World Vision was on the scene providing food, emergency water, and medical supplies. The impact of these storms continued to unfold as the weeks passed, but we remained committed to ensuring that communities had the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Through local partnerships with churches and other organizations, World Vision was able to reach thousands in the hardest-hit areas.

The response focused heavily on North Carolina for Helene, where critical infrastructure had been destroyed, including water systems, homes, and schools. In Florida, for Milton, teams coordinated disaster relief efforts, including the distribution of Crisis Relief Boxes (fresh food boxes).

The rebuilding phase began soon after the immediate cleanup, focusing on restoring homes and essential infrastructure. World Vision’s partnerships with organizations like Swannanoa Church, Asheville Dream Center, Conduit, and Operation Blessing have enabled the efficient distribution of building materials, tools, and other supplies to begin rebuilding efforts.

World Vision has also offered educational support, supplying over 7,000 books, Classroom Well-Being Kits, and school supplies to children impacted by the disasters.

While the work is ongoing, these collaborations laid the foundation for the long-term recovery needed to restore normalcy to affected communities.

We thank you for your generous support on behalf of those still recovering.

SIX-MONTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Thanks to our generous corporate partners and financial supporters, World Vision has partnered with local churches and community organizations to provide relief to displaced families and transition to helping rebuild communities. Highlights include:

• Supported more than 70,000 survivors across four states, assisting communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina with relief distributions.
• Began restoring over 150 homes, partnering with local organizations to support reconstruction, with 50 homes completed to date.
• Distributed 57 truckloads of relief supplies, including food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, and tools.
• Provided more than 73,000 pounds of food and 18,000 gallons of water to communities in need, helping thousands of survivors.
• Partnered with five key organizations to promote long-term recovery, collaborating with local churches and community groups to place resources for rebuilding efforts.
• Awarded $362,000 in grant funding to partner organizations for cleanup and rebuilding projects.
• Distributed more than 20,000 toys and 7,000 books through eight family events during the holidays.

REBUILDING COMMUNITY

Jim and Allie Bourdy woke up at 5 a.m. September 27, 2024 when their white noise machine stopped humming. “We were expecting to lose power . . . but not ready [to fight for our] lives,” says Allie.

The couple decided to monitor the situation from inside of their home, but by 9 a.m., the water had risen so high that a truck stalled out at the end of their driveway. The window for escaping in their car had passed, and they began discussing whether it was safe to remain at home. As they were speaking, the refrigerator began to float, then slammed to the ground. It was time to go.

Jim grabbed some foam exercise blocks to use as flotation devices and they made it to the roof of a neighbor’s house, where they were rescued by two Good Samaritans in a kayak. When they later returned to the home, they were shocked to find a chair hanging from a chandelier among overturned furniture and mud covered walls. The couple’s dismay multiplied when they were informed that their homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damage.

But all was not lost. One night as Jim and Allie were getting a hot meal at a local church, contractor Chris Cronin offered to help them rebuild their house as part of a project coordinated by partner Swannanoa Church using building materials procured by World Vision from corporate partners.

Chris hopes that with the gift of these items, they’ll be able to stretch their FEMA award to cover more than construction. “If . . . they’re able to hold on to more of their FEMA money, [they will be able] to buy . . . furniture and dishes and . . . laundry units,” he says. “Because, I mean, they lost everything.”

LOOKING AHEAD

We’re proud of the progress made alongside our partners in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but there is still much work to be done.

As we move into the next phase of rebuilding, our immediate goals include:

• Partnering with non-profits, corporations, and other organizations to get families back in their homes by restoring 150 residences by the end of the year.
• Assessing and addressing ongoing needs while strengthening our partnerships with Swannanoa Church, Operation Blessing, Asheville Dream Center, and Conduit to ensure effective, long-term recovery.
• Supporting communities as they rebuild and recover, helping them emerge stronger and more resilient.

THANK YOU

The communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have faced incredible hardship, but with the help of our dedicated partners, we’ve made significant strides in the recovery process. Your support has been crucial in bringing relief and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to rebuild lives and restore communities.

Find out how your company can play a part in rebuilding lives and restoring hope after disasters. Click here.

The post Six Months Later: Hurricanes Helene and Milton Response Update appeared first on B2B.

In the history of American retail, few names evoke a sense of community, quality, and resilience quite like Ace Hardware. Founded in 1924, this retailer-owned cooperative has not only survived but thrived for more than a century, evolving into a network of over 5,000 stores across the United States. Each store, while part of the larger Ace family, retains its unique character, often tailored to the specific needs of its local community. This decentralized model allows for a remarkable degree of flexibility — it’s not uncommon to find surfboards in a California Ace store or farming supplies in a Wisconsin location. In Chicago, you might even discover locally sourced honey on the shelves.

This cooperative structure means that individual store owners are shareholders. The reason many families open Ace stores is because they are already deeply embedded in their communities. They make autonomous decisions about inventory and, notably, about which local causes to support. This grassroots approach to philanthropy has been a hallmark of Ace’s community engagement.

Fast forward to 2024, a year that marked both Ace Hardware’s 100th anniversary and a series of devastating hurricanes that ravaged the Southeastern United States. In the aftermath of these natural disasters, a question arose among Ace’s retailers and corporate staff: “What can we do?” This simple inquiry set in motion a partnership with World Vision, who Ace already had a volunteerism partnership with.

Christine Doucet, Director of Communications, Engagement and the Ace Foundation, recalls the initiative’s inception:

“It was clear that our retailers and our staff wanted to help, not just with monetary donations, but with supplying needed product, as well as their time and effort. And World Vision was direct and clear. They provided an exact list of products needed for hurricane relief, and we looked at what we had stocked in our warehouses, created a donation website and the Ace Disaster Relief Bucket was born.”

Ace retailers and employees sponsored 1,000 hurricane disaster relief buckets at $40 each in less than 24 hours. These buckets were filled with essential cleaning supplies like gloves, masks, sponges, and disinfectants. Following this rapid achievement, they introduced ‘hurricane relief bundles,’ and 1,368 of them were sponsored over the next week. These bundles included essential tools such as shovels, rakes, heaters, and ladders, amounting to pallets upon pallets of supplies.

Once the buckets and bundles were sponsored, next came the assembly. The enthusiasm among employees was palpable. Ninety-eight volunteer spots to assemble the buckets filled up in about two hours, with a waitlist forming soon after. Looking back, Christine reflected:

“We were overwhelmed by the number of employees who wanted to help and who sent words of thanks and even posted on their social media noting how proud they were to give back at work.”

This partnership with World Vision was a win-win-win for everyone. Christine emphasizes the importance of having a reliable partner in such endeavors:

“We were able to pull this off because World Vision made it easy. I think many organizations are hesitant to jump in and help because of the extra logistics that make the disaster relief work harder. When you have a good partner, helping doesn’t have to be hard. World Vision helped make our efforts easy and meaningful.”

The collaboration also highlighted the strengths of both organizations. Ace’s ability to quickly obtain the needed products and engaged employees provided the human effort and connections, while World Vision’s established supply chain and logistics expertise ensured that the aid quickly and efficiently reached those in need. This was a critical piece because Ace needed to keep their supply chain focused on serving their stores and customers in the affected areas.

After the buckets were assembled, three Ace Hardware field staff members — Mark Mayes, Brian Raymond, and Grayson Taylor — joined World Vision staff on the ground in Asheville, North Carolina, to distribute supplies and assist with clean-up and rebuilding efforts. They witnessed both the devastation wrought by the hurricane and the hope brought by the collective efforts of corporations and volunteers.

Christine, moved by the stories she heard, said, ” The team that went to Asheville was able to share that experience with others upon their return – it’s not often you get to see the actual beneficiaries of your donation, so it was an incredibly impactful experience for them.”

In times of crisis, it takes all of us to weather the storm and to rebuild. Key partnerships enable us to do more than we could do alone. The collaboration between Ace and World Vision highlights the reality that support extends beyond monetary donations; it involves meaningful engagement, leveraging strengths, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.

The post DIY disaster relief: How Ace Hardware and World Vision are proving the value of philanthropic partnerships in times of crisis appeared first on B2B.

Extreme weather events can cause widespread destruction, putting vulnerable communities at greater risk of falling deeper into poverty. When heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires strike, they expose children and families to increased risks of harm and danger.

The severe storm system that began on March 14 swept through the central and eastern U.S., unleashing 87 tornadoes, dust storms, and high winds. At least 39 people lost their lives, with Mississippi and Missouri experiencing the most severe impacts from the tornadoes. Wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas, along with dust storms in Kansas and Texas, compounded the devastation.

In response to these devastating events, World Vision takes swift action — around the world and in the U.S — to deliver lifesaving aid, including providing essentials like food, clean water, and hygiene kits. But our efforts don’t stop there. We keep working alongside communities to help them build resilience and prepare for future disasters. This includes investing in early warning systems and equipping communities with the tools they need to respond effectively to weather hazards.

“Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in the midst of crises and often have no idea of the magnitude of the events they are experiencing. They find themselves away from home, family, and friends,” said Thiago Crucciti, World Vision’s national director in Brazil, reflecting on the devastating 2024 floods in Brazil. To address this need, World Vision helps families access psychosocial support and Child-Friendly Spaces so they can start to regain a sense of normalcy. “Without an appropriate intervention, these events could leave lasting scars. We must respond now to ensure that they get the support they desperately need,” Crucciti said.

Beyond our immediate emergency response, we also collaborate with communities on long-term projects like land restoration, infrastructure improvements, and community development. These efforts improve food security, restore ecosystems, and open economic opportunities — critical steps toward long-term resilience.

You can help deliver hope and meet practical needs when emergencies strike.

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The post Extreme weather: Helping communities recover and rebuild appeared first on B2B.

As Hurricane Helene drew near to their Swannanoa, North Carolina, home, Jim and Allie Bourdy prepared. Jim cleaned out the gutters. He installed a sump pump in their crawlspace. “We were expecting to lose power, and that was it. … we stocked up on puzzles. We got our favorite board games out on the table. We had flashlights, we had candles,” says Allie. “We were ready for a rainstorm, but not ready for surviving our life that morning.”

Swannanoa is located on the Swannanoa River, a small waterway that normally runs about 18 inches to 2 feet deep. On the morning of September 27, the river rose fast, climbing over its banks to cross a five-lane highway and reaching houses on the other side. Only 20 minutes after the water measured midway up their shins, it reached the roofline. The couple clung to the gutters and foam exercise equipment that doubled as flotation devices.

Eventually, they pulled themselves up onto a neighbor’s roof where they waited until kayaking neighbors rescued them and took them to higher ground for safety.

After Helene’s floodwaters receded, Jim returned to their home to collect a few necessities they’d left behind. When he entered, his heart sank. Furniture was overturned, a chair hung from a chandelier, silt was everywhere, and the bathroom looked like someone had painted it with mud and water.

“It just kind of looked like all our possessions got just shook up and just thrown all over the place with mud all over it,” he says. “And it was just heartbreaking seeing that and knowing that the life that we’ve built here for the last seven years just wasn’t the same and would never be.”

Having stretched their budget to purchase the home, Jim and Allie knew they didn’t have the funds necessary to rebuild. “We had barely enough savings [to] replace a car if we had to,” Jim says, “[let alone] replacing and remodeling a house from the studs. We had no concept of what that looked like.”

Their homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damage because, like more than 99% of homeowners in the greater Asheville area, they didn’t have a flood policy, nor would they have qualified because they don’t live in an area that’s deemed a flood zone.

The two felt overwhelmed by everything they needed to do to rebuild their home and their lives. But things were about to improve. One night they were out getting a hot meal at a local church when they ran into a college friend who’s a contractor — Chris Cronin — who wanted to help them rebuild.

Chris and his business partner have plans to work on four houses in this devastated neighborhood. They’re one of the local partners that World Vision is teaming up with to rebuild 150 homes in the area.

“World Vision has donated pretty much all of our building material,” says Chris. “We’ve got a huge framing drop happening next week where we’ll get all our subfloor. We’ll get all the new floor joists and two-by-fours for the walls. And then they’re going to donate all the insulation, the drywall, the flooring.”

Across Western North Carolina, many families just like Jim and Allie, face similar devastation. But across the nation, generous corporate donors such as Ace Hardware, Lowes, Costco, and Culligan and their Culligan Cares Team are answering the call for help and sending building materials and supplies through World Vision to help ease the burden on families who are trying to dig out from under Hurricane Helene’s wreckage.

These corporate partnerships have allowed World Vision to work with local organizations to develop a plan for rebuilding up to 150 homes in the Greater Asheville area, focusing on the hardest hit mountain towns like Chimney Rock and Jim and Allie’s community in Swannanoa.

“Even the smallest things that we don’t have to pay out of pocket for is the biggest blessing to us,” says Allie. “Your contributions and donations have meant the world to us.”

Corporations coming together with World Vision means that families hit hard by Hurricane Helene have a hope of rebuilding without intense financial hardship.

Supplies still needed as part of the ongoing rebuilding process include items such as drywall; subflooring; insulation walls and flooring; electrical outlets, boxes, and switches; kitchen cabinets; interior doors; ceiling fans; bathroom and kitchen faucets; and bathroom vanities.

If your company would like to partner in World Vision’s response to Hurricane Helene, please fill out this form.

The post When Floodwaters Rise: The Impact of Hurricane Helene appeared first on B2B.

How the Qurate Retail Group and World Vision partnership has created a chain reaction of impact in the last 10 years.

In the world of retail, the emphasis is often on transactions—the act of buying and selling. But what if the retail business could be something more? What if, while meeting consumer demand for quality products and generating profit, a company could have a ripple effect, helping children and families in need? This question has been at the heart of Qurate Retail Group’s (QRG) decade-long partnership with World Vision.

It began, as many initiatives do, with a small team and a big idea. Ten years ago, two QRG employees found themselves grappling with a dual challenge: improving warehouse efficiency and contributing meaningfully to the community. It was a practical problem, yet it also held the potential to create a chain reaction of impact. The solution they found was both practical and impactful—partnering with World Vision to repurpose surplus goods, extending product life cycle while helping vulnerable children and families.

Qurate Retail Group is a leading global retailer known for its multimedia commerce platforms, which include television networks, digital streaming services, and e-commerce websites. The company operates well-known brands such as QVC, HSN, and several others, reaching millions of customers worldwide. QRG is recognized for its innovative shopping experiences, blending entertainment with retail, and offering a wide range of products including fashion, home goods, electronics, and beauty items.

But they also take seriously a commitment to a more sustainable approach to retail that is intentionally inclusive, entrepreneurially driven, responsibly curated, and waste-smart. “We’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” reflects Suzanne Quigley, director of global corporate responsibility at Qurate Retail Group. “We do this through corporate philanthropy, product donations, team member giving, and volunteerism.”

Over the past decade, what started as a modest partnership with World Vision has grown into a powerful program for good. To date, Qurate Retail Group has donated 30,000 pallets of product, valued at $60 million, through World Vision. These donations have reached hundreds of thousands of people across 35 countries, helping communities in need with resources like clothing and household items. In the United States alone, QRG’s donations have touched lives in 29 states, offering hope and support to those who need it most.

But the impact of this partnership extends beyond the immediate benefits of the donated goods. It’s about more than just the number of pallets shipped or the dollar value of the products—though those numbers are impressive. It’s about the ripple effect that these donations create, the way they uplift communities and inspire further acts of generosity.

“Our entire team is extremely proud of our partnership with World Vision,” Suzanne says. “And we’re inspired to keep up the momentum of being a force for good in the world. Through our dedicated focus on community and social impact, our Global Impact team seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. Our partnership with World Vision is a perfect example of this commitment in action.”

In 2023 alone, World Vision distributed 4,262 pallets of QRG product to communities in need. This effort is just one facet of a broader strategy to use business as a catalyst for change. In addition to product donations, QRG also provided a monetary donation to World Vision’s Women’s Empowerment Fund. This initiative helps women overcome poverty and income inequality. It’s a way to equip women with the resources and support they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

“Supporting these impactful programs helps fuel economic growth and empowerment on a global scale,” Suzanne explains. “It’s about creating opportunities and opening doors for those who might otherwise be left behind.”

Indeed, the Women’s Empowerment Fund is a powerful example of how targeted, strategic philanthropy can drive long-term change. By investing in women, who are often the backbone of their communities, QRG and World Vision are helping create a more equitable world—one where everyone has the chance to thrive. Qurate Retail Group has already contributed over $148 million to worthy causes since 2020. Even in the fast-paced retail industry, there’s room for a deep commitment to the greater good. And in a world where the challenges from poverty and inequality can feel insurmountable, the partnership between QRG and World Vision offers an open door of possibilities. It’s proof that when business and philanthropy come together with a shared vision, the impact can be truly transformative.

The post THE RIPPLE EFFECT appeared first on B2B.

How Group Publishing and World Vision are equipping the next generation to make a profound difference.

In the summer of 2023, Group Publishing and World Vision came together with a simple yet powerful idea: children helping children. Group Publishing—a leader in creating innovative ministry resources to help people grow in their faith—had already been a longtime partner with World Vision. Beginning in 1998, Group Publishing teamed up with World Vision for important projects like helping communities gain access to clean water and empowering children to reach their full potential. But this new endeavor would do something different: Motivated by compassion, kids would raise funds to send Bibles to other children around the world, intertwining spiritual education with global outreach in a unique and impactful way.

Group Publishing’s vacation Bible school (VBS) curriculum—already a popular staple in many churches—always included a mission component, where students could contribute to a cause larger than themselves. “We wanted to create an experience that extended beyond the walls of the church,” explained Jody Brolsma, executive director of content creation at Group Publishing. “By partnering with World Vision, we provided an opportunity for children to make a tangible difference in the lives of their peers around the world.”

The program was designed with intention and care. Each day of VBS, over 100,000 children, from all over the U.S., had fun exploring themes of the Bible through engaging storytelling, crafts, and activities. Students also learned about the challenges faced by children their own age around the world—and how the gift of a Bible could offer hope and lead to transformation. The students were able to not only absorb biblical teachings but also develop a sense of empathy and global awareness.

The impact was immediate and profound. Churches reported that children were deeply moved by the stories they heard and were eager to help send Bibles to children without one. “Churches so appreciate that we were giving children a chance to make a difference,” Jody noted. “We had congregations telling us, ‘Our kids are now passionate and talking about helping others.’ They were not just passive participants; they were active agents of change.”

For World Vision, the partnership was a testament to the power of collective effort. “We have always believed in the strength of community and the transformative power of education,” said Russ Shumaker, strategy and partnership manager for World Vision. “This partnership with Group Publishing was a perfect alignment of our values and mission. Together, we were able to reach more children with good news and the message of hope.”

The initiative’s success was measured not just in the number of Bibles distributed (and many Bibles were distributed!) but also in the lasting impression it left on the young participants. Parents and church leaders observed a marked change in the children’s perspectives. The children were more aware of global issues, more empathetic, and more eager to contribute to charitable causes. “It’s amazing to see the ripple effect,” Jody remarked. “One small act of giving can ignite a lifelong passion for service and compassion.”

Jody continues, “With the number of churches Group Publishing connects with, World Vision is the perfect partner in these endeavors. They have the integrity and display the long-lasting impact of the work. There is so much reach when working with World Vision.”

The partnership between Group Publishing and World Vision was more than a curriculum addition; it was a movement. It demonstrated how strategic collaboration could amplify the impact of educational programs, fostering a generation that values empathy and action. For many VBS students, this was a tipping point—a small but significant step toward a larger cultural shift where children are not just the recipients of knowledge but the catalysts of global change.

In the end, the relationship between Group Publishing and World Vision did more than just send Bibles to children around the world. It created a bridge between communities and a shared mission that united young hearts in the spirit of giving. And in doing so, it also planted seeds of kindness and empathy that will undoubtedly bear fruit for years to come.

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Eco-Soap Bank and World Vision are helping improve hygiene around the globe.

At its core, a bar of soap is a simple fusion of fats and lye, a straightforward concoction that belies its incredible power. This alchemical wonder breaks the bonds of grease and grime, and cleans away dirt and germs. But beyond its practical nature, soap embodies a deeper wisdom: It teaches us that even the simplest of solutions can have the most profound effects. In a single bar, we find a lesson in humility and efficiency, a reminder that solving large problems often requires simple solutions.

This is also the story of Eco-Soap Bank, an initiative born from a shocking realization: While millions suffer from preventable diseases due to lack of hygiene tools, tons of soap scraps are discarded daily. As a partner with World Vision, Eco-Soap Bank transforms waste into wellness—on a global scale.

Founded in 2014, Eco-Soap Bank has a simple yet important mission: to safely recycle used hotel soap and distribute clean bars to those in need. The process is as ingenious as it is impactful. The first step of soap recycling begins in hotel rooms across the United States. Housekeeping staff collects used soap bars, which are then shipped to Eco-Soap Bank’s processing centers. Here, the soap undergoes a rigorous cleaning process to remove impurities and is then melted down, sterilized, and remolded into fresh bars.

This process not only extends the life cycle of soap but also significantly reduces environmental waste. Eco-Soap Bank has also trained 200 women to conduct this process, and now they are skilled in a trade that offers economic empowerment to disadvantaged families. Once crafted, soap bars are subsequently distributed to organizations like World Vision, amplifying their reach and efficacy in communities around the world.

Why soap? The statistics are both startling and motivating. In the United States alone, hotels throw away an estimated 2.6 million bars of soap daily. Meanwhile, 395,000 children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases related to poor hygiene—illnesses that could be drastically reduced with simple handwashing practices. Eco-Soap Bank bridges this gap by turning waste into a potential lifeline, demonstrating that what we discard can actually be a part of livesaving solutions.

“For every $1 invested in hygiene programs and tools,” says Samir Lakhani, the founder and CEO of Eco-Soap Bank, “there is a social impact of $25. Our work has a broad impact, not only on the vulnerable, but on entire communities. And by partnering with organizations like World Vision, we’re able to extend our impact exponentially.”

World Vision has a presence in nearly 100 countries, with many programs focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene. While we build the infrastructure for access to clean water and sanitation, Eco-Soap Bank provides the essential element of soap, helping ensure that these facilities can be used to their fullest potential.

Eco-Soap Bank’s impact is both measurable and noteworthy. Since its inception, the organization has donated 60 million bars of soap. This effort has also diverted over 60,000 pounds of waste from landfills, highlighting a sustainable model of social entrepreneurship.

“Eco-Soap Bank’s approach is a brilliant example of circular economy in action,” says Bernadette Martin, corporate engagement director for World Vision. “By transforming waste into a valuable resource, they’re not only addressing a critical public health need but also promoting environmental sustainability. Our partnership allows us to leverage each other’s strengths, creating a more significant impact in the communities we serve.”

The data supporting Eco-Soap Bank’s mission is compelling. According to the World Health Organization, handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhea morbidity by up to 44% and respiratory infections by up to 23%. These statistics underscore the critical importance of soap in public health initiatives. Yet, the challenge lies in accessibility, particularly in impoverished regions where soap is considered a luxury.

In countries like Cambodia, where Eco-Soap Bank first began its work, the disparity is stark. Many families cannot afford soap, leading to high rates of preventable diseases. By providing free hygiene products, Eco-Soap Bank not only alleviates a financial burden but also educates communities on the importance of proper hygiene. This dual approach—provision and education—is essential for lasting change.

As we consider the broader implications of this endeavor, it becomes evident that the partnership of Eco-Soap Bank and World Vision is more than just a collaboration—it is pioneering a movement that redefines waste and wellness. This work exemplifies how innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can transform global health landscapes.

Reflecting on the journey, Samir shared how Eco-Soap Bank has grown to the point where they can quickly respond to disasters: “When a hurricane hit Honduras, World Vision reached out to us with a need. And we were able to meet that need for the survivors in Honduras. I am very grateful that we are at a point where we can ship thousands of bars of soap at a moment’s notice.”

Indeed, Eco-Soap Bank’s story is a powerful illustration that within the byproducts of our consumption lies the potential for meaningful change. By turning waste into a resource, they are not just helping to clean hands—they are helping change lives, one bar of soap at a time.

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Just weeks apart, two powerful hurricanes battered the Southeastern U.S., causing widespread devastation. Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on September 26, 2024, in Florida’s Big Bend region. On October 9, Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, struck Florida’s west coast near Siesta Key. 

Communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and beyond have faced severe impacts with lives disrupted, homes destroyed, and critical infrastructure damaged, some of it completely ruined. The scale of the destruction has triggered urgent relief and recovery efforts that are now underway. 

World Vision has been on the ground from start, responding to the urgent needs created by these catastrophic storms. With our local partners in the area, we’ve delivered vital supplies donated by corporate partners such as clean water, generators, diapers, personal care items, and more, to ensure that people in hard-hit areas can access essentials they need. Our commitment to supporting these communities in both immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding is unwavering. 

World Vision responded immediately to the hurricanes. Following Helene’s landfall, four 53-foot tractor-trailers loaded with relief supplies were dispatched to partner churches in Florida and North Carolina. In the following weeks, nine more tractor-trailers departed for storm-affected regions in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, including hard-hit Asheville, North Carolina. As of Thursday, October 17, 2024, these 13 shipments have served over 16,000 people. 

In response to Hurricane Milton, World Vision has delivered 12 truckloads of supplies to people in impacted areas, reaching nearly 23,000 people. 

Thanks to generous donors and through the help of more than 20 local partners, World Vision has distributed a total of 25 truckloads of aid to support families in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas as of October 17. 

“This is one of the most devastating disasters that has hit the United States in our time,” said Reed Slattery, World Vision’s National Director of U.S. Programs. 

Our relief efforts have been bolstered by partnerships with churches like St. John Baptist Church in Arden, North Carolina that, through their long-term, local presence and deep roots in the community, become effective distribution hubs for relief supplies. 

While immediate relief is the priority, World Vision has also committed to working alongside families and communities as they rebuild their lives over the coming months and years. 

“The devastation is overwhelming, but we’re here, working hand in hand with local pastors and affected communities. Our priority is to meet the urgent needs of children and families while also planning for recovery,” Slattery said. “The healing process is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s about restoring dignity and supporting people as they reclaim their futures. 

“We know the road to recovery is long, and World Vision will continue to stand with the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. We are committed to offering support, compassion, and resources to help impacted families recover.” 

Currently, our efforts are focused on post-storm clean-up. But building supplies will be critically needed as we move into the next phase of our efforts. With cooler temperatures setting in, there is also increasing concern for communities still lacking electricity and running water. 

We also aim to support educational needs. We’re ready to supply impacted communities with resources like books, backpacks, and Classroom Well-being Kits to help schools and students affected by the hurricane.

Critical products needed 

• Cold weather apparel 

• Cold weather footwear 

• Building materials 

• Building, renovation tools (hand and power) 

• Power generation (generators, solar…) 

• Personal care 

• School supplies 

• Toys 

If your company would like to assist in relief efforts, please fill out the form here and a corporate engagement representative will be in touch.   

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