Notes from the Field

After a kerosene lamp was knocked over in the middle of the night, a deadly fire highlighted the need for safe, sustainable light in the village of Mtangani, Kenya.

According to the U.N., more than half of all Syrians have been displaced by the country’s civil war, and 5.6 million of these have fled the country, seeking asylum and safety abroad. Over the past several months, our humanitarian partners, Love Without Borders and Refugee Biriyani & Bananas, have made several trips to refugee camps in Greece, bringing with them LuminAID lights and other supplies.

“They literally were dancing with joy when we showed them what the LuminAID solar light was and how to use it. There is no power there, so these lights make a huge impact on a family allowing them to see.”

LuminAID worked with international humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps, to raise funds for and distribute 1,300 PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Superchargers in North Carolina. The PackLite Hero Superchargers help families to feel safe at night with extra-bright LEDs and allows them to charge their phones and stay connected with emergency services and family members.

When Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc along the Florida panhandle, World Central Kitchen was there to feed the survivors by the light of LuminAID solar lantern + phone chargers. Chef Jose Andres, the founder of WCK, flew down to Panama City to help with relief efforts by cooking and distributing hot meals.

In November of 2018, Alex Ray joined Honduras Hope for an unforgettable trip to the Yoro region of Honduras. Honduras Hope is a small nonprofit based in New Hampshire that works in several impoverished communities in rural Honduras.

Packing for the Peace Corps is quite the undertaking. So what do you need to bring with you for the next 27 months? Here's a list of must-have items for Peace Corps Volunteers, based on feedback from past PCVs. Make sure you're prepared with the items you need, but may not think of before departing. Know someone becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer? Here's where you'll find the perfect useful gift for their mission.

How can light make a difference after disasters? After a hurricane, fire, storm, or other disaster, many families are left in the dark. Humanitarian organizations often have difficulty getting light to those in need. Light can help families stay safe and comfortable, particularly after disasters. LuminAID is bringing solar light to communities in need worldwide. Learn how we're helping, from Puerto Rico to California.

Though these adventurers are constantly on-the-go, they also give back to the communities that have shown them friendship and kindness along the way.