Humanitarian Trips

Experience the joy of serving others as you help transform lives

Volunteers with Unto® humanitarian trips work with partners and churches in countries across the globe to serve people in need and express the kindness of Jesus. For more than 25 years, our expert trip leaders have taken more than 180 groups to 30 countries. Unto is the humanitarian ministry of Cru®.

Reasons to Join a Humanitarian Trip With Unto

  • You share physical aid and the hope of Jesus.
  • You grow closer to God.
  • You forge lasting relationships.
  • You learn to serve in a different culture.
  • You can receive the blessing of blessing others.

It Is Easy to Join an Unto Humanitarian Trip

Upcoming Humanitarian Trips

September 1-10, 2025

Colombia

Colombia Vision Clinic 1

Team Leader: Kim

Cost: $1,700-$1900 +Airfare

The culture of this South American country is a vibrant blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, creating a unique and diverse tapestry of traditions, art, and music. It’s a country where festivals are lively, family ties are strong, and coffee is a daily ritual.

During the clinic, you will meet with local people one-to-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. As you spend time with them, you will have the opportunity to show them the kindness of Jesus.

No medical experience is required. At the beginning of the trip participants will receive training to test vision and fit eyeglasses.

September 15-23, 2025

South America

Colombia Vision Clinic 2

Team Leader: Joy

Cost: $1.700-$1900 +Airfare

The culture of this South American country is a vibrant blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, creating a unique and diverse tapestry of traditions, art, and music. It’s a country where festivals are lively, family ties are strong, and coffee is a daily ritual.

During the clinic, you will meet with local people one-to-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. As you spend time with them, you will have the opportunity to show them the kindness of Jesus.

No medical experience is required. At the beginning of the trip participants will receive training to test vision and fit eyeglasses.

October 2025

Southeast Asia

South Asia Vision Clinics

Team Leader: Chelsey

Cost: $2.400-$2.600 +Airfare

What if something as simple as giving out a pair of glasses could change a person’s life and even their eternity? 

This nation in South Asia has one of the poorest levels of access to glasses in the world. One study showed that only 3% of people who need glasses, wear them. Children are unable to learn in school because they cannot see the chalkboard. Fathers are unable to provide for their families because they cannot read instructions or thread a needle for work. Grandmothers are unable to see the faces of the grandchildren they so deeply love.

While the implications of the physical poverty in this nation are great, it is safe to say the implications of the spiritual poverty are even greater. Less than 1% of the population in this country know the hope Jesus has to offer.

Through volunteering with Unto’s Vision Clinic this Fall, you will have the opportunity to give the gift of both physical and spiritual sight.   

In the Vision Clinics, you will conduct one-on-one vision testing, provide glasses, and share the hope of Christ. 

 

 

No medical training or mission experience is necessary. You will receive all the training and preparation you need from our staff. 

October 21-25, 2025

Mount Joy, PA

Mission Packing Project – Mount Joy, PA

Team Leader: Global Logistics Center Staff

Cost: FREE

You can engage personally in revealing hope around the world. Join us for a family-friendly event to prepare humanitarian supplies for shipment to people in need around the globe. Our international partners working in the toughest places on earth use these items to express the kindness of Jesus to people they serve by relieving suffering, restoring dignity, and revealing hope. The event is held daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Register for one or all days. You will be assigned a packing area when you arrive, such as:

  • New Clothes
  • Used Clothes
  • New Shoes
  • LuoPacks
  • and MORE!

November 2025

Middle East

Middle East Vision Clinics

Team Leader: Kim

Cost: TBA

Refugees have entered this Middle East country in staggering numbers, having left behind families, friends, and homes to seek peace and safety. Many lack basic necessities and care. Unto® field partners in the Middle East serve the local residents as well as the thousands of refugees by supplying items such as clothing, food, and school supplies. Unto humanitarian trip teams help with another serious need — vision impairment.

On this trip, you will travel to a country well known as a tourist travel destination and for its exceptional food. You will meet with refugees and residents one-to-one to assess vision needs and provide glasses. Through this project, you will have an incredible opportunity working with refugees to show the kindness of Jesus and help Unto field partners build ongoing relationships in these communities. In addition to providing glasses through our vision clinics, we will spend a few days in the capital city working to meet the needs of at risk people groups in crisis.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive vision-testing training at the beginning of the trip.

December 2025

North Africa

North Africa Vision Clinic

Team Leader: Scott

Cost: TBA

Imagine being unable to see clearly the faces of your family and friends or being unable to work because you cannot see well enough to read. Millions of residents in North Africa experience impaired vision and struggle with issues such as these. You can help solve this problem for many of them by providing a simple pair of glasses.

By joining Unto® as a member of this mission team, you will travel to a desert nation to host eyeglass clinics. At the clinics you will have opportunity to interact with hundreds of local people one-to-one as you assess their vision and provide glasses. In so doing, you will demonstrate the kindness of Jesus.

Through this project, our field partners will be able to build relationships with individuals and families and show them Christ’s love and hope.

Time will be allotted for sightseeing and experiencing local culture.

No medical experience is required. At the start of the trip, participants will receive training for testing vision and fitting glasses.

 

January 2026

South Asia

South Asia Vision Clinic

Team Leader: John

Cost: TBD

The humble and friendly people of this ancient land worship a multiplicity of deities. Most people here have never heard the gospel. On this mission trip you will measure people’s vision using simple charts, providing new glasses according to their need. Our vision clinic work will demonstrate the kindness of Jesus to hundreds of spiritually-needy people, creating opportunities for local ministry partners to follow through with spiritual outreach. This is Unto’s first-ever humanitarian trip to this country. Please consider joining us to shine the light of Jesus where it is so desperately needed.

 

January 2026

Tanzania

Tanzania Vision Clinics

Team Leader: Chelsey

Cost: TBA

Gladys reads the Bible with her new glasses

Tanzania, home to abundant African wildlife and beautiful tropical beaches, has a diverse population of over 120 tribal groups. Many people in both rural and urban areas lack access to necessary resources. Unto partners in Tanzania build relationships with people and provide resources such as bucket irrigation kits, food, and medical supplies. You, too, can help the local people by providing for another great need — eyeglasses.

As a member of this team you will travel to a strategic ministry region of the country to conduct vision clinics in multiple locations.  You and your teammates will meet one-to-one with local residents to assess vision and provide needed glasses. By providing glasses through these clinics, you help our partners build stronger relationships so they can continue to meet critical needs and share the hope of Jesus.   The team will have opportunity to view African wildlife and shop for locally made handcrafts.

No previous medical or missions experience is required; just a heart for God and a desire to bring blessing where the needs are great. Training in vision testing is provided when we reach Tanzania.

February 2026

West Africa

Sierra Leone Vision Clinic

Team Leader: Kim

Cost: TBA

Imagine being unable to see clearly the faces of your family and friends or being unable to work because you cannot see well enough to read. Millions of residents in North Africa experience impaired vision and struggle with issues such as these. You can help solve this problem for many of them by providing a simple pair of glasses.

We will be traveling to a culturally diverse country, home to approximately 18 ethnic groups. These include freed African-American, Afro-Caribbean slaves and liberated Africans. English is the official language, however Krio and French is spoken by 97% of the population.

By joining Unto® as a member of this mission team, you will travel to a desert nation to host eyeglass clinics. At the clinics you will have opportunity to interact with hundreds of local people one-to-one as you assess their vision and provide glasses. In so doing, you will demonstrate the kindness of Jesus.

 

No medical experience is required. At the start of the trip, participants will receive training for testing vision and fitting glasses.

February 2026

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia Vision Clinics

Team Leader: Joy

Cost: TBA

The prevalence of blindness and low vision in this Southeast Asian country is relatively high compared to other developing countries. Most of the causes of blindness and low vision are treatable or preventable. Landmines and other war-related injuries are a major cause of ocular injury.

You can help with this need by joining an Unto vision clinic trip to tropical Southeast Asia. Through the clinic, you will help provide glasses to hundreds of people who need simple vision correction. You also will work alongside Unto partners, helping them expand their ministry through serving those in need.

During the clinic, you will meet with local people one-to-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. As you spend time with them, you will have the opportunity to show them the kindness of Jesus.

Time is allotted for visiting local sites and enjoying Southeastern Asian culture.

No medical experience is required. At the beginning of the trip participants will receive training to test vision and fit eyeglasses.

This trips is for college students only.

March 2026

Guatemala

Spring Break Guatemala Vision Clinic (Students Only)

Team Leader: Scott

Cost: TBA

During the 10th century, a complex network of trade routes turned Mayan cities into commercial and spiritual hubs. Guatemala still has that mystique today in historic cities like Antigua. However, in the capital, Guatemala City, the effects of the 36-year-long civil war (1960-1996) still can be felt, causing Guatemala to be one of the poorest countries in Central America.

Be part of an Unto® volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of the gospel.

No experience is required. At the beginning of the trip, participants will receive training for vision testing and fitting eyeglasses.

This trip is for college students only.

March 2026

El Salvador

Spring Break El Salvador Vision Clinics (Destino)

Team Leader: Wes

Cost: TBA

El Salvador — a land of beautiful beaches, sprawling coffee plantations, and lush rainforests — is the most densely populated country in Central America, with 40 percent of its population living in poverty. Be part of a Unto® volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision.

As a student on this trip, you will travel to the nation’s capital, San Salvador. The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city as well as in nearby rural areas. In the clinics you will meet with individuals to provide glasses and demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of Jesus.

No experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

Students only. This trip can accommodate a maximum of 15 people.

March 2026

Honduras

Honduras Vision Clinic

Team Leader: Joy

Cost: TBA

In the past Honduras was developed by the Mayas before Spanish colonization.  It is now a predominantly Spanish speaking and Roman Catholic.  It is in Central America and it is rich in natural resources.  They produce coffee, tropical fruit and sugar cane.

Be part of an Unto® volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision. You will also restore dignity to those who may not being able to work or be successful in school.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you will meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus.

No experience is required. At the beginning of the trip, participants will receive training for vision testing and fitting eyeglasses.

April 2026

Middle East

Middle East Refugee Care Vision Clinic

Team Leader: Tiffany

Cost: TBA

Refugees have entered this Middle East country in staggering numbers, having left behind families, friends, and homes to seek peace and safety. Many lack basic necessities and care. Unto® field partners in the Middle East serve the local residents as well as the thousands of refugees by supplying items such as clothing, food, and school supplies. Unto humanitarian trip teams help with another serious need — vision impairment.

On this trip, you will travel to a country well known as a tourist travel destination and for its exceptional food. You will meet with refugees and residents one-to-one to assess vision needs and provide glasses. Through this project, you will have an incredible opportunity working with refugees to show the kindness of Jesus and help Unto field partners build ongoing relationships in these communities. In addition to providing glasses through our vision clinics, we will spend a few days in the capital city working to meet the needs of at risk people groups in crisis.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive vision-testing training at the beginning of the trip.

May 2026

Central Asia

Central Asia Vision Clinics

Team Leader: John

Cost: TBA

Imagine being unable to see the faces of your family or being unable to work because you cannot see well enough to read. In Central Asia more than 1 million people live with untreated vision impairment. You can help solve this problem for many of them by providing a simple pair of glasses, and at the same time point them to Jesus.

By joining Unto® as a member of this team, you will travel to mountainous Central Asia to host an eyeglass clinic. At the clinic you will meet with local people one-on-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. During this time, you will have the opportunity to show them the love of Jesus.

Through this project, our field partners will be able to build relationships with families and show them Christ’s love and hope.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

 

 

May 2026

Southeast Asia

Summer Mission Southeast Asia (Students Only)

Team Leader: Scott

Cost: TBA

In this Southeast Asian country, 21 million people live with untreated vision impairment. Without glasses, people are unable to see family clearly, or they struggle to work or read.
You can help by joining an Unto trip to this country in Southeast Asia to host vision clinics that will provide glasses to hundreds of people needing simple vision correction. You will work alongside Unto partners who are building relationships and serving those in need.
During the vision clinic, you will meet with locals one-on-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. As you spend time with them, you will have the opportunity to share and show them the kindness of Jesus.
This trip is exclusive to college students.

June 2026

Central Asia

Central Asia Vision Clinic

Team Leader: Kim

Cost: TBD

Imagine being unable to see the faces of your family or being unable to work because you cannot see well enough to read. In Central Asia more than 1 million people live with untreated vision impairment. You can help solve this problem for many of them by providing a simple pair of glasses, and at the same time point them to Jesus.

By joining Unto® as a member of this team, you will travel to mountainous Central Asia to host an eyeglass clinic. At the clinic you will meet with local people one-on-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. During this time, you will have the opportunity to show them the love of Jesus.

Through this project, our field partners will be able to build relationships with families and show them Christ’s love and hope.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

 

 

July 2026

Malawi

Malawi Vision Clinic

Team Leader: Chelsey

Cost: TBA

As a member of this team you will travel to a strategic ministry region of the country to conduct vision clinics in multiple locations.  You and your teammates will meet one-to-one with local residents to assess vision and provide needed glasses. By providing glasses through these clinics, you help our partners build stronger relationships so they can continue to meet critical needs and share the hope of Jesus.  The team will have opportunity to view African wildlife and shop for locally made handcrafts.

Gladys reads the Bible with her new glasses

No previous medical or missions experience is required; just a heart for God and a desire to bring blessing where the needs are great.

Lives Are Changed

Frequently Asked Questions

Participants from 16 to 80 years old and of all skill levels may take part in Unto trips. Volunteers with a personal relationship with Jesus and with sound health are welcome. Not all trips will be suitable for youth because of the type of work required or the emotional toll they may take. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Some trips may require more specialized skills, such as medical training. If special skills are required, this information will be mentioned in the trip description.

Team size depends on the destination and the trip strategy. Teams can be as small as four people or as large as 40.

The trip cost includes all in-country transportation, shared hotel or dormitory accommodations, three meals a day (plus drinking water), interpreter services, in-country visa fees, emergency evacuation assistance, and all taxes, tips, and fees.

The trip cost does not typically include airfare, pre-trip visa fees (if required), passport costs, immunizations, medications, baggage charges (unless you are asked to carry a bag of Unto aid), trip cancellation insurance, airport meals, or additional gifts or snacks you choose to bring.

No. We will plan travel and provide an airline itinerary for you through our travel agents. Then we will send you the information to contact the agent and purchase your ticket. Through the travel agent, you will be able to arrange both your domestic and international travel. Arranging travel in this way lowers flight costs and allows you to book “through” travel straight from your home airport while still traveling with the team internationally.

Trip participants and their supporters can pay by credit card through the participant’s giving page or by phone. Payments can also be made by check. All payments and donations are tax-deductible and non-refundable.

All contributions to Unto are income tax deductible and are made with the understanding that Unto has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. Should you not go on the trip, or should more funds than needed be raised, we will consult with you to determine if the money will be held in your account for a future trip, be used for other expenses associated with the trip, or be given as a general donation to Unto Humanitarian Trips.

Your trip leader’s primary responsibility is the safety of the team. We are in touch with the U.S. State Department on all trips and are alert to changes in safety and security while overseas. While we do live in a complex world, Unto trips do not include what we consider unnecessary risks, either in locations visited or activities implemented.

We work to make sure all trips are as safe as possible. All Unto trip leaders are experienced in international ministry and trained in crisis management and CPR/first aid. At all times a crisis manager is on call in the states, and contingency plans are in place before all trips begin. Emergency evacuation coverage and supplemental health coverage are included in the cost of your trip.

In most cases the entire team will meet at the international departure airport in the U.S. and fly together to the destination country. Most trips require no pre-trip preparation or meetings as a team. If a trip does require pre-trip preparation, the team leader will provide this information before accepting you for the trip. Some trip leaders may schedule a group call before the trip for team introductions. Your trip leader will be in touch with you on an ongoing basis as you prepare for the trip.

Accommodations will vary depending on the country. Usually teams stay in a hotel or guest house chosen or recommended by our national hosts. Rooms are generally shared by two people of the same gender or by spouses. If you prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement fee will be charged.

In the areas where Unto serves, it is usually not possible to make accommodations for special dietary needs.

All available trips are listed on the website. If you do not see a trip that works for you, you can contact trips@unto.com to receive updates in the future. New trips are added all the time.

You can contact the trips department by emailing trips@unto.com.