The World Care Civilian Emergency Relief Center began in 1996 and is a secular, nonprofit organization headquartered in Tucson. Initially World Care began in founder Lisa Hopper’s garage as a way to provide children with school supplies. Since then, World Care has expanded to provide services in areas of health, education, the environment, and emergency relief to more than 150 organizations throughout Tucson and over 70 countries around the world.

We are able to re-distribute new and used goods donated by the public and local businesses to families and communities in need. Eighty-five percent of donations stay right here in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

When state, national and international disasters strike, World Care responds with collected supplies from the public. World Care follows the supply to ensure it reaches its destination and is securely stored and distributed. During the past year, World Care has responded with emergency supplies to victims of the earthquake in Japan, the Alabama and Joplin tornadoes, the Arizona Wallow fire, and the devastating Monument fire in Sierra Vista.

The World Care Emergency Relief Center headquarters is located at the former Julia Keen Elementary School, 3538 E. Ellington Place (Near 32nd/Alvernon)

You can make a financial donation safely online at www.worldcare.org or you can recycle household items, clothing and computers through us. During disasters, a list of our most needed items for humanitarian aid can be found on our website. In addition, you can also volunteer at the World Care headquarters.

To volunteer, you can drop by our headquarters from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Fill out a volunteer application (also available on our website). We will place you based on your interests and areas of expertise.