Unite to Light

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Community Health Systems, Education, Energy Resources Conservation & Development, Environment, Health, International, International Development

Mission: We are a nonprofit organization that works to distribute a safe, efficient, and inexpensive solar-powered LED light to people without access to electricity. In doing this, we seek to foster education and improvements in the quality of life in developing countries. Our lights are used for studying, reading and other tasks. In addition to our general distribution, our lights are also distributed in refugee camps, in disaster area, as a component in childbirth kits, and in search and rescue equipment packages.

Community Stories

7 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2015

The purpose of Unite to Light, to get solar lights and USB chargers into the hands of those who still live without light, use dangerous and polluting kerosene lanterns, who perform emergency medical procedures by candle light, and empowering those in poverty is beyond reproach. The lights distributed are well designed, rugged, and useful with a bright, long lasting light that can also be used for backpacking and camping, emergency kits, and even looking into hard to reach spots like car engines.

By purchasing a light, you send another to where it's needed. I recommend them for your own use, and for the use by those who really need a boost in their education, prosperity, and health.

1

Annie K. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/19/2015

Unite to Light's mission of getting light to as many people as possible is inspiring and brilliant in its use of innovative technology. UTL is making a difference with this simple business model that allows people all across the world to pour into and benefit from its work.

6

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2015

I'm a volunteer in South Africa and I heard about Unite to Light through a local science center. As I'm based in a rural school in which my students have no electricity, I figured that nighttime light would allow the students to study and read at night.
The first shipment we received was 20 lights, and we hosted an essay competition which posed the question: If you had a solar light, how would you use it to improve your education? Unfortunately only 20 lights could be distributed because that's all we had, and the interest was soaring in the school and community.
After correspondence with Unite to Light, however, we are expecting 200 more lights in our community which will allow families to save money otherwise spent on candles and allow students to read and study at night. The staff in the organization are always quick to respond and are dedicated to supporting communities in need. I am impressed with Unite to Light, the lights themselves, and the impact something as simple as nighttime light can have on a rural community.

1

squaredbm Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/30/2015

I went to Zambia with a non-profit group, Golf Fore Africa, in May 2015. I took 2 small lights to my sponsored child's home (through World Vision). Grace does not have electricity and her family lives in 3 huts. They were so excited and happy to receive the lights. Our group also took many, many lights to a safe house for young girls who for various reasons could no longer live in their village. Each girl received a small solar light. I gave a larger light to an official in the Zambian government to proviide a job to a woman to have a business charging cell phones. When I returned to the U.S., I purchased a large light through Unite-to-Light. Unite-to-Light mailed (through DHL) to a friend I know who lives in a village in The Gambia. It is the rainy season now but when he can charge the light he will be able to start a business charging cell phones. These solar lights change the lives of many people. This has been an amazing journey with Unite-To-Light and will continue for many years to come. Thank you, Unite-To-Light. Beth Young Moore

1

dianaquintela Client Served

Rating: 5

08/10/2015

In responding to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, I discovered a desperate need for light. Happily I found Unite-to-Light whose solar lights allowed for quick distribution of a safe, renewable light source. Typhoon or not, many areas in the Philippines have no electricity or it is too expensive for most folks. Kerosene and candles not only pose dangers of fumes, fire, and burns, but also provide poor lighting and drain limited incomes.
The solar lights enable family life to continue after dark (roughly only 12 hours of daylight). Family life is extended; early morning and evening chores are made easier; students can do homework; midwives can deliver- all with a steady, dependable, renewable, bright, non-toxic light source.

Unite-to-Light has been extremely helpful in providing lights expeditiously, responding to requests, and putting me in touch with organizations which support efforts such as mine. Without the kind of help and
encouragement Unite-to-Light provides, one might easily become overwhelmed and discouraged in the face of such a daunting task. I cannot say too much about how this organization has helped to push back the darkness in so many ways and in so many lives.

1

hobbs1 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/01/2015

I have been working with Unite to Light for a year now...donating Lights to the Philippines.
We have been able to give over 900 lights to needy villagers.
The Lights themselves are remarkably Brite, User Friendly & Durable.
The smiles and gratitude of the children & families is heart warming.
It is a pleasure to work with Unite to Light & be a part of their mission
Kathie Jo Hobbs

1

BabaDwayne Client Served

Rating: 5

10/23/2014

I am president of a non-profit that works in northern Tanzania, East Africa, providing scholarships for very poor students to attend secondary school and university. Most of our students have no electricity in their homes and therefore must study by candle or kerosene lantern after dark. Many used to come to their annual interviews with very bad coughs and chest congestion from the kerosene fumes that filled their small houses. Unite to Light's solar reading lamps have been a godsend to our students. We have distributed several hundred lamps that have literally changed the lives of these young people whose grades and health are vastly improved and whose families are so grateful to have a source of light after dark. Dawn O'Bar has worked with us to keep shipping costs down which means more lamps for more kids. We hope to distribute many more lamps in the years ahead. Thanks very much to Unite to Light from all our students and staff for the enormous difference you are making for poor people! And, thanks also for letting us help you light their world!

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