Lambda Pi Eta partners with ‘Gleaning’
Students from the communications honors society helped package supplies for shipment around the world
Liberty’s communication studies honor society, Lambda Pi Eta (LPE), recently took part in a project to send medical supplies to those in need internationally through the organization Gleaning For The World.
Charity — Liberty students Rebekah Lohr and Ashley Addington pack medical supplies at the Gleaning For The World warehouse in Concord, Va. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
Members from the honor society took a trip to the Gleaning For The World warehouse, located in Concord, Va., Nov. 27. Through their efforts, they were able to put together packages of medical supplies to send to individuals overseas who are suffering and unable to obtain the supplies themselves.
Ashley Addington, the vice president of LPE, said that the members packed about 50 boxes of medical supplies to send overseas. Each box contained numerous amounts of medical supplies, such as biopsy trays, epidural shots, heart trays, arthroscopy packs and shoulder packs.
“The amount that we packed would save the lives of about 900 people,” Addington said. “I have never held so many medical supplies in my life.”
LPE originally planned to take part in the Teddy Bear Brigade at the warehouse. This project was started by Gleaning For The World and sends stuffed animals to children around the world. LPE did donate a box of teddy bears for the cause. However, when they arrived, they decided to take on the project of packing boxes with medical supplies.
Brandon Osgood, public relations specialist for LPE, explained that each year, the honor society participates in different humanitarian efforts to help understand the importance of volunteering. He explained that the holiday season is the best time to take part in such activities.
“It was definitely an incredible experience to help out with packing medical supplies. The idea that someone from another country was going to be presented a supply pack that I helped to get ready for shipping was really moving,” Osgood said.
Past events that LPE has participated in include Relay for Life and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
“We also hope to develop a heart of volunteering through our members,” Osgood said. “By participating with our service projects, we hope they see the importance (that) giving back to the community can do.”
According to their website, Gleaning For The World’s medical supplies have aided areas including Central America, Africa and Asia. They have sent shipments to more than 54 countries on five continents.
“This project really showed me that even doing small volunteer work can make a huge impact on a person in need,” Osgood said.