Global Links might be one of the most unique non-profits in Pittsburgh. Hundreds of volunteers work at their headquarters in Greentree every month to re-package unused medical supplies rescued from local hospitals and other medical facilities, which are shipped to under-served communities in the United States and around the world.

Global Links has an incredible mission, and their volunteers are "global" too, even a woman who used her experience volunteering to help her learn English.

One group of volunteers that embodies Global Link's diversity is the International Women Association of Pittsburgh. As many as twelve of these women volunteer every Wednesday to re-package supplies. Among them is Simin Dehghan, who came to the U.S. from Iran just 5 years ago, and volunteers a various places to learn and practice her English.

Global Links offers lots of volunteer opportunities , including regular shifts for individuals and groups Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Corporate teams can sign up for shifts Tuesday-Saturday. And families get extra attention at their "Family Volunteer Days" a couple of times a year.

Global Links says they process an average of 300 million tons of medical surplus every year. That's 300 million tons of health care items that don't go into a landfill, and instead, are used to improve access to healthcare resources for over 1.3 million people a year. That's about $3 million worth of medical aid! Click here to find out more about how to volunteer!

"Life-saving, not land-filling. That's the power of your time." Global Links web site