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The story of Heart to Heart International is all about connecting people and resources to a world in need. Heart to Heart started as an idea to get people in the heart of America involved in helping people in the heart of Russia. The same ideals that motivated Dr. Gary Morsch, Heart to Heart’s founder, to organize the largest volunteer airlift in U.S. history still resonate today in all of the organization’s humanitarian operations.
One of the great things about that first airlift was that everybody was invited to help in the initiative. People from all walks of life were captivated by the idea that they could be part of something that had a global impact. Heart to Heart continues to invite people to serve their fellowman, whether across the street or around the world. The organization also seeks to help people in desperate, regardless of their race, religion, or personal or political beliefs.
Volunteers that participated with Heart to Heart’s inaugural airlift discovered a significant benefit in serving others. Many of them said that the airlift was one of the most meaningful things they had done in their lives. Today, Heart to Heart offers multiple opportunities for meaningful service. The organization believes that lives are transformed when people who can help connect with people in need. The amazing thing is that both the recipient and the volunteer are changed in the process. Volunteers often say that they received more than they gave through their service experience. This transformation is all part of Heart to Heart’s “people agenda.”
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Though volunteers are an important part of Heart to Heart’s vision to create a healthier world, the organization relies heavily on key partnerships to literally get the work off the ground. On that first airlift, Heart to Heart found partners within the pharmaceutical industry, in civic groups, in faith communities, in high government offices, and others. Today, the organization enjoys thriving relationships with leading medical associations, Fortune 500 companies, globally minded organizations, and senior government officials around the world. Heart to Heart is shaping the culture of these partners by helping them connect to a world in need.
The genius of Heart to Heart’s first airlift was that everything was donated: all the medicines and first-aid supplies, the cargo plane, the financial support, and the volunteer hours. Heart to Heart continues that tradition of efficiency, while always striving to deliver the highest quality in each of its humanitarian efforts. The organization is consistently among the leading humanitarian organizations in terms of fiscal responsibility. Historically, Heart to Heart operates on less than 2 percent overhead, meaning that more than 98 percent of all contributions goes directly to humanitarian operations. On average, Heart to Heart is able to leverage each $1 donation to procure and deliver $25 worth of medical aid.
WHAT WE DO
Each year, Heart to Heart is actively supporting healthcare development in nearly 60 countries around the world, including the United States. The organization identifies pockets of human need and finds ways to satisfy those needs. Heart to Heart utilizes volunteers and members of its global alliance to create a viable supply line of medical aid and other services. The primary outcome of Heart to Heart’s work is a healthier world. Because of Heart to Heart’s humanitarian programs, millions of people live healthier lives, disaster survivors have hope, newborns take their first breath, people have their sight restored, mothers survive the birthing process, and America’s poor and needy know that someone cares about them.
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Here is a summary of Heart to Heart’s global operations:
If you are interesting in learning more about Heart to Heart, joining its growing force of volunteers, or getting your company or organization involved in its global alliance, contact the organization in one of the following ways:
Heart to Heart International
401 South Clairborne, Suite 302
Olathe, KS 66062
Phone: 913-764-5200
Fax: 913-764-0809
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.HeartToHeart.org