Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Pens Elite girls 14u, 16u, and 19u teams recently took a break from the ice to volunteer their time at the World Vision Global Distribution Center of Pittsburgh.  World Vision is the largest global Christian relief organization that works to address the root causes of poverty and injustice by supporting children, families, and communities worldwide.

The Pens Elite teams came together on an early Saturday morning to sort through thousands of corporate donated clothing items, divide them by type, gender, and size, and package them in boxes to be sent to those in need around the world.  The girls formed small teams and unloaded, unpacked, and sorted 50 pallets of donated clothing and repacked 34 pallets for shipping to various countries in need.  Each pallet contains around 400 lbs of clothing which will provide clothing to 300 to 400 people, making a significant impact in the lives of those who receive them.

World Vision distributes to 31 countries and relies heavily on volunteers to sort, pack, and palletize the enormous quantities of gifts that are donated each year.  Andrew Pasquini, the volunteer coordinator at the distribution center, expressed his gratitude for the Pens Elite teams' contribution.  With only six volunteer staff members for the massive warehouse, they rely heavily on corporate partners, logistics organizations, and volunteers like the Pittsburgh Pens Elite teams to help manage the donated inventory.

 The girls from the Pittsburgh Pens Elite teams were deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the global relief effort.  They expressed their satisfaction in being able to make a difference in the lives of those in need and were proud to have been a part of such an important cause.  Their attitude and work ethic serves as a reminder of the power of community involvement in making a positive impact in the world.  

Andrew expected the work to prepare the current bulk donated inventory was going to take them until the summer to manage.  However, due to the efficiency and work ethic of the Pens Elite girls, he anticipates their efforts will put them 3-4 months ahead of schedule.  "The Pittsburgh Pens Elite girls teams were amazing to work with. They tackled the project with enthusiasm and professionalism, and their efforts were nothing short of impressive. They accomplished in a few hours what we thought would take us several months to complete.  We're incredibly grateful for their contribution and can't thank them enough for their hard work and dedication to our mission," said Andrew Pasquini, the volunteer coordinator at the distribution center.

In addition to providing crucial assistance to families in need worldwide, World Vision relies heavily on the support of volunteers to prepare and distribute donated products.  Each year, thousands of volunteers at their seven U.S. warehouse locations help to sort, package, and palletize donations, making it possible for these essential supplies to reach those who need them most.  Whether you're an individual or part of a group looking to make a difference, volunteering with World Vision can be a rewarding and impactful experience.

World Vision's mission to support communities around the world can be supported by donating time, resources, or support.  Their vision is to enable every child to live life in all its fullness, while their prayer is for every heart to have the will to make it so.  The support of volunteers and donors, such as the Pittsburgh Pens Elite girls teams, is crucial to achieving this vision and making a difference in the lives of those in need.

If you're interested in learning more about World Vision and its efforts in the Pittsburgh area or volunteering, you can reach out directly to Volunteer Coordinator Andrew Pasquini at (412) 259-6026 or via email at apasquini@worldvision.org. 

Visit the World Vision Volunteer Portal to schedule your volunteer time and get involved with their mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need or search other ways to help at World Vision Ways to Help