ARAS projects and programs are lifelines to people around the world. In 2008 we conducted personal-empowerment workshops, stocked food-banks with tons of food, provided over 1500 bikes for poor African villagers, and presented full wardrobes of clothes, thousands of books and food to more than 2000 struggling people and their families. Every year ARAS gives communities the tools and resources to change the journey from surviving to thriving. Maintaining a strong volunteer program is essential to the health of any community. Because we understand the value that comes from community service, we constantly train volunteers, providing them opportunities through the worthy projects of ARAS and other organizations.