Midwest Mission Pre-stages Disaster Relief for 10 Countries

February 20th, 2026 Newsletter

On Friday, February 13, a shipment left the Midwest Mission warehouse headed for Coconut Creek, Florida—the headquarters of Food For The Poor, our largest international shipping partner.

This was a unique shipment. The container was filled with just one item: Student Kits.

Food For The Poor specifically requested these Kits to include in their Community Disaster Relief Kits—large-scale response packages designed to serve more than 200 people impacted by disaster. These Disaster Relief Kits are prestaged in 10 different countries, ensuring critical supplies are already in place when disaster strikes, even in situations where transportation and infrastructure are limited.

Other organizations provide hygiene items, emergency blankets, tarps, water purification systems, and more. Food For The Poor asked Midwest Mission to provide the Student Kits.

Why?

Because in the aftermath of a disaster, children need more than shelter and food—they need stability. They need something to hold onto, a way to deal with the trauma of a crisis.

Imagine your home has just been hit by a tornado. Debris is scattered across your yard. You’re trying to figure out what to salvage, where to begin, and how to move forward. Meanwhile, your young children are overwhelmed and confused. They’re asking questions you don’t have the strength to answer. They want comfort. They want normalcy.

In that moment, having simple supplies—paper, crayons, pencils—can give children a safe outlet to process their emotions. It can provide parents with a small but meaningful reprieve. It can restore a sense of routine in the middle of chaos.

Now imagine facing that same situation in a country where resources are already scarce, where food insecurity is a daily concern. Add a natural disaster on top of that, and the weight of uncertainty can feel unbearable.

Having the right tools to help children creatively and artistically process trauma is not extra—it’s essential.

This shipment included 7,000 Student Kits, with a total value of $112,000.

The timing was remarkable. Just weeks ago, we did not have enough Kits on hand to meet this request. But volunteers stepped up in a powerful way—faithfully assembling Kit after Kit—until all 7,000 were ready to go.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated supplies, gave financially, and volunteered their time. Because of you, children in crisis will have something of their own to hold, to create with, and to begin healing.

A BIG thank you to everyone who has donated supplies, Kits, funds, and time to make this shipment – and so many others - happen. Without your generosity, there would be no supplies to send—and families would face disaster with even fewer resources.

Together, we are prepared to send hope to the world in the form of humanitarian relief for whatever disaster comes next.

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Events and Opportunities at Midwest Mission

• Brad Walton’s Retirement Party

Join us on Friday, March 6 for an Open House celebration from 12–4pm at Midwest Mission (1001 Mission Drive, Pawnee, IL 62558). Come and go as you’re able, share your favorite Brad stories, enjoy meaningful fellowship, and help us send him off with gratitude and joy. A light lunch will be available while supplies last.

Please RSVP to carolyn@midwestmission.org by Monday, February 23 if you plan to attend.

• Become a Midwest Mission Ambassador!

Ambassadors are volunteers and donors who are passionate about the ministry of Midwest Mission, and want to see the mission furthered. They intentionally share about Midwest Mission with their local communities, using provided information and materials. If you’re interested, visit midwestmission.org/ambassadors and fill out the Ambassador Interest Form.