Hitting Close to Home: Midwest Mission Sends Flood Relief Supplies to Indiana and Illinois

August 21, 2026 Newsletter

Last week, torrential rains caused devastating flooding across the Midwest, leaving families with flooded homes and communities facing the long, difficult work of cleanup and recovery.

Because of the generosity of you—our donors and volunteers who prepare supplies before disaster ever happens—help was ready to go.

In New Castle, Indiana, flooding created an urgent need for Cleaning Kits and hygiene supplies. Midwest Mission received a request from New Castle UMC, and the timing was remarkable—something only God could orchestrate. Operations Manager Ramon Ortiz was already planning to travel through Indiana with a trailer.

So, last Friday, supplies were added to the trailer and delivered along the way:

• 180 Cleaning Kits

• 96 Hygiene Kits

• 10 Menstrual Hygiene Kits

In Lansing, Illinois, Cleaning Kits were distributed to help families clean, disinfect, and begin restoring homes damaged by floodwaters. More than 100 Kits were distributed in less than an hour. The City of Lansing was deeply grateful for the quick response as they navigate a devastating time for their community.

In Bloomington, Illinois, the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Early Response Team identified another need: a generator to assist with recovery efforts. Midwest Mission had one available, and on Monday, Curt Franklin, Midwest Mission board member and the staff member who oversees the Conference's Early Response Team program, picked it up and delivered it to Bloomington.

On Tuesday, the response in Indiana continued. The town of Anderson was also hit by torrential rain and flooding, affecting much of the community. Ramon Ortiz delivered 1,020 Cleaning Kits and 1,526 Menstrual Hygiene Kits to their location.

More than 120 families were served in less than an hour, with additional supplies available to distribute over the next several days. Because of this response, they will also be able to share supplies with neighboring communities that were affected.

The past two weeks have been a reminder of how grateful we are for you. At least four communities received necessary relief within days of the flooding. In the midst of a crisis, when they don't know what to do, Midwest Mission was there.

And that was possible because someone prepared each Kit and gathered each supply before the disaster happened.

When a flood hits, there isn't always time to start collecting supplies, assembling Kits, or searching for resources. Because donors give and volunteers serve throughout the year, Midwest Mission can have supplies ready to move when they're needed.

That's what your generosity makes possible. That's what YOU make possible.

Thank you for helping Midwest Mission be ready to respond. Whether the need is across the world or right here in our own backyard, we are grateful to partner with you to send hope in a crisis.

You can help us be prepared for the next disaster by assembling Kits and donating supplies or monetary gifts now.

PCS News

Midwest Mission has been blessed with volunteers across the Midwest who give of their time, energy, and resources to assist us in carrying out God’s mission to help those in need.  

Some of these volunteers use the facilities God has blessed them with to provide a donation collection point for needed supplies. These are our Collection Sites!  

You can find their contact information at www.midwestmission.org/collection-sites.

What’s Happening @ Permanent Collection Sites?

Steven Hanas, DeWitt UMC, DeWitt, IA – has received their first donation for Midwest Mission after becoming a PCS in June 2026. So glad to have you on board!

Robert Soltysik, McKinney, TX – Bob shared that he has collected over 24 treadle machines since becoming a PCS in February 2026. He may be planning a trip to Pawnee, IL in the near future. Can’t wait to see you in person!

Beth Biever & Brad Spice, Avon UMC, Avon, IN – Beth shared about seeing a middle school class being taught how to sew on treadle machines in Guatemala. Brad shared that he is a member of the Nomads. Two people with a heart for missions!

Pat Baumer, Emmanuel UMC, Noblesville, IN- mentioned how he has shared with others about Midwest Mission and how those conversations have led to donations such as the large school desk donation we recently shipped. Keep sharing!

Ann Champion, Riverside UMC, Moline, IL - Welcome to one of our newest Collection Sites. Riverside joined our team in July 2026. So needed in that area. Thank you!

Linda Bair, Riverside UMC, Park Rapids, MN – shared that her church has acquired a trailer to store donations for Midwest Mission. Linda searches for treadle machines on Facebook Marketplace and will be taking 22 treadles and other donations to our location in Jefferson, IA soon. Thank you for your dedication!

** If you would like to learn how to repair bikes, sewing machines or learn how to sew our patterns, please see our website for Weekend Workshops https://www.midwestmission.org/weekendworkshops.

If your congregation is interested in becoming a New Permanent Collection Site, please contact Teresa@midwestmission.org for more information.

Save the Date — Help get sewing machines into the hands of people who need them!

On Saturday, October 17, Midwest Mission (Illinois) is hosting a Sewing Machine Repair day, as part of our Weekend Workshop series.

Sewing Machine Repair Day is a focused workday where we inspect, test, and repair donated sewing machines to make sure they are safe, functional, and ready for use.

Verifying machines means:

• Plugging in and powering on each machine

• Checking that it runs smoothly (needle, motor, foot pedal)

• Testing basic stitches and tension

• Identifying machines that need minor repairs, major repairs, or parts

• Labeling machines as Ready, Needs Repair, or Parts Only

The goal is to ensure every verified machine is reliable and ready to serve its purpose before it moves on for distribution or use.

This is from 8:30am-3pm — please bring your own lunch or make plans to eat out.

There are two positions offered:

1) Threading & Running (Testing Machines)

2) Tuning & Cleaning (Making Repairs)

This is a great opportunity to serve with Midwest Mission if you can’t come during our regularly scheduled shifts. 

The machines you test or repair will go on to change someone’s life. Someone will have a means to make a living, and care for their family.

We’d love for you to join us. Spots are filling up, so reserve yours today!

To sign up, click here, or visit midwestmission.org/weekendworkshops