"We decided it's time to do something:" After trip to Africa, non-profit launched here in WI to fulfill need

GLENDALE -- It is an effort to fulfill a need that extends well beyond the holiday season in southeastern Wisconsin. A trip to Africa turned into something much bigger -- and a local organization is making a difference around the world.

"There is no greater happiness in one`s life than to see that fruit of your labor and what you`re doing here is being executed there," Pam Schwalbach, Simple Hope co-founder said.

After traveling to Africa, Schwalbach returned home with a heavy heart.

"We decided it`s time to do something for those that we saw on our trip to Africa," Schwalbach said.

That desire to help led to the creation of a non-profit organization called "Simple Hope."

Schwalbach and Karen Puhl are co-founders of the organization.

Government abroad directed them to an area in Tanzania where help is most needed.

"They had pointed out a tribe called the Hadzabe tribe, which is a bush tribe. They hunt and gather for their food. They don`t have a monetary system. They don`t have access to any nutrition," Schwalbach said.

"Another group we are working with is an orphanage. There's 40 children in the orphanage," Schwalbach said.

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On Sunday, December 13th, volunteers packed about 60,000 nutritious meals.

"Rice, soy, vitamins and minerals and dehydrated vegetables," Schwalbach said.

"One person can make a huge difference," Dawn Eyre said.

Simple Hope volunteers pack bags for Africa

Eyre also traveled abroad.

"For me, I found it very inspiring, very reflective," Eyre said.

To help support the cause, crafts handmade by the locals in Africa are also available for sale, and of course, the proceeds are invested right back into the mission.

While hunger is a global issue, the need was also addressed here in southeastern Wisconsin.

"We`ve brought in the Hunger Task Force so that people can learn about that need here and donate non-perishable goods at the pack-a-thon," Schwalbach said.

Simple Hope volunteers pack bags for Africa

Volunteers with Simple Hope actually follow the food back to Africa and are there for distribution and say they've seen the tribe thrive and improve their health conditions over the years because of the efforts.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Simple Hope organization.