In a building on a back road in Mount Joy, global change is underway. Unto, an international humanitarian organization, operates its largest distribution center and warehouse near the small town, making a positive impact on people around the world.

"Unto is an organization committed to addressing the physical needs of people living in some of the world's toughest places, but our mission goes beyond just providing aid," said Katie Carpintero, communications and marketing director for Unto. "We also aim to reach those who have never heard the message of Jesus, offering not only help for today but also sharing hope in Him for eternity."

Unto was founded in 1992. The organization began as Josh McDowell Ministry's Operation CareLift with a focus on meeting the physical and spiritual needs of people living in the former Soviet Union. "As the ministry grew, it became known independently as GAiN (Global Aid Network) in 2003," Carpintero explained. "In 2020, the United States branch of GAiN was rebranded as Unto."

Unto is the humanitarian ministry of Cru, the name in the United States for Campus Crusade for Christ, a global Christian organization. "Our mission is to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus by relieving suffering, restoring dignity and revealing hope through humanitarian action," Carpintero stated. "We accomplish our mission through three main programs: Food and Agriculture, Clean Water and Critical Aid."

Unto serves people in more than 50 countries. "Our partners at Cru work in more than 190 countries, which allows us to reach more people and places with help and hope," Carpintero said.

Although the name "Unto" is an abstract name, it has a purpose, she said, adding, "The name Unto also serves as a powerful symbol of the organization's dual commitment to go unto the 'least of these' and to carry out Jesus' command to go unto all nations with the message of His eternal hope."

The Mount Joy facility, which the organization calls its Global Logistics Center (GLC), serves as a central logistics hub.

"The Unto GLC is where we prepare and pack the aid that is given by the people in the area through donations to Unto," Carpintero commented. "The center is staffed by dedicated employees and volunteers who work throughout the week to ensure essential supplies such as food, medical aid and critical resources are packed and shipped to communities in urgent need of humanitarian assistance."

Twice a year, Unto holds packing events at the Mount Joy location, drawing volunteers from across the United States to help. During these events, Carpintero said, thousands of volunteers work in daily shifts to pack thousands of boxes of aid to send around the world. The events are held in June and October, but volunteers are needed and appreciated year round, she noted.

"We are always grateful for the support of volunteers who help us carry out our mission to serve those in need around the world," she said. "Our Mount Joy Global Logistics Center is a central hub for volunteer efforts, offering many opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved in the packing and preparation of aid throughout the year. ... Volunteers play an essential role in preparing and packing critical supplies, including packing rice and beans, preparing medical supplies, assembling hygiene items, sewing blankets and much more."

Unto strives to fill a unique role. "We are distinct in our mission to serve in some of the most difficult- and hardest-to-reach places on earth, including areas where many organizations cannot go," Carpintero said. "We can access these places because of the 190-plus-country Cru network. We provide the critical aid people need for survival, but our work goes beyond just meeting physical needs. Unto is committed to bringing the hope of Jesus to people who may never have had the opportunity to hear about His hope."

For more information about Unto, visit https://unto.com. To volunteer, email info@unto.com or call 717-285-4220.