If you know anything about WIN Warehouse, you know that we are passionate about helping others. We truly believe that everyone can make a difference and the way we serve others will inspire those around us to make the world a better place as well. We work hard to fulfill this vision by connecting nonprofits in need of resources with corporations that have excess inventory.
We are honored to serve all our nonprofit members and become a part of their stories. In this article, we place the spotlight on an amazing nonprofit organization that changes and saves lives through the power of aviation: Wings of Hope!
Formed in 1962, Wings of Hope is a St. Louis-based humanitarian organization that has been helping the world’s poorest by providing health, education, economic opportunities, and food security. This nonprofit and its passionate volunteers have positively affected those in need not only in the United States, but also in countries such as Tanzania, Cambodia, Kenya, and Ecuador.
Here’s a very quick peek at all the great work Wings of Hope does:
Health – Wings of Hope has been teamed up with Flying Medical Service for 20 years in order to supply planes and medical services to villages in Tanzania. They have even vaccinated up to 500 babies in a span of three days and have assisted with prenatal and infant care.
Education – In Cambodia, Wings of Hope is partnered with an education outreach program to give the children of farmers a chance to pursue their dreams. The program teaches these children English and computer skills, and older children often act as volunteer teachers, which helps build their confidence and leadership experience.
Economic Opportunity – Women in Kenya are receiving help from Wings of Hope! The organization offers microloans and business training to women in poverty so they may be able to open produce stands or become involved in dairy farming to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Food Security – Protein sources are scarce in Ecuador, which often results in malnutrition. Wings of Hope is providing hope through a chicken program that teaches tribal groups how to raise chickens properly for sustainable sustenance today and in the future.
United States Medical Transport – In our own backyard, Wings of Hope Medical Relief & Air Transport (MAT) provides medical air transport services to those who need unavailable specialized care – completely free of charge! Volunteer pilots fly to 26 states within 600 miles of St. Louis. Most of these patients are children with congenital disorders and rare or life-threatening health conditions. So far this year, they have already helped 106 patients!
Of course, the good people who make this wonderful work possible like to have a bit of fun. They work with the American Legion on weekends to take kids for a ride in the planes for fun!
WIN Warehouse has been able to provide several supplies and equipment for Wings of Hope, including machine vices, nitrile gloves, rolling ladders, and air compressors. We’ve also been able to outfit them with LED area light fixtures to help light up their hangars, thanks to one of our members who is part of a local American Legion Post! On their wish list for the future, the organization hopes they may receive oil fired torpedo heaters, workbenches, and crawlers.
Since becoming a WIN member on October 18, 2017, Wings of Hope has saved more than $6,400. This organization truly inspires us, and we are humbled and honored to know that we have helped Wings of Hope save money in just over 14 of their flights!
If you’re a non-profit organization and are curious about how you can benefit from WIN’s help, be sure to contact us at (314) 385-3006 or membership@winwarehouse.org. Want to learn more about Wings of Hope? Be sure to visit them at wingsofhope.ngo!