Midwest Mission Sends First International Shipment from Jefferson, Iowa Location

August 14th, 2026 Newsletter

Midwest Mission celebrated a historic milestone on Tuesday, August 4, as it sent its first international shipment from its Jefferson, Iowa location.

Since opening in 2023, it’s been a dream for our Iowa team to send an international shipment from Midwest Mission Iowa, and last week, that dream became a reality.

Jefferson Elementary School was ready to find a new home for desks and school tables they no longer needed. After learning about the need for school furniture around the world, the school district generously decided to donate the furniture.

The school had over 100 tables and almost 200 desks to load up and send. It was decided that instead of loading all of those items onto a truck, sending it to Illinois, unloading it at the Midwest Mission warehouse, then loading it once again onto a container, it made the most sense to load the container right in Jefferson. 

On shipping day, the container arrived almost two hours late due to issues with the truck, but over 40 great volunteers stayed to be a part of this momentous day. They worked tirelessly to move all of the desks and tables out of the gym and into the container. The many hands ensured the container was loaded in an hour and 45 minutes!

The desks and tables were sent in coordination with Midwest Mission’s long-time partner, Food For The Poor, who is working to build one new school every month in Honduras.

Earlier this year, several volunteers from Midwest Mission Iowa traveled to Honduras to visit four schools that Midwest Mission has previously supported. During their visit, they saw firsthand how donated desks, school supplies, and food are helping students learn and thrive.

Danille Curtis, Iowa Director, shared about the experience:

“Everywhere we went, we saw the same thing: children eager to learn, teachers determined to teach, and parents willing to sacrifice everything they could so their sons and daughters might have a different future than their own.

We are excited that this shipment will bring even more hope and empowerment to students and their families in Honduras. It is extra special knowing that the furniture is coming right here from Jefferson — the community that has loved and supported Midwest Mission so well.”

Be a Part of the Growth

The first international shipment from Midwest Mission Iowa represents a significant step forward for the Jefferson location. The Iowa facility has grown through the generosity of volunteers, donors, churches, and community partners who have helped expand Midwest Mission’s ability to collect, prepare, and distribute resources around the world.

Now, you can be part of what's next.

There are many ways to get involved at Midwest Mission Iowa:

• Volunteer as an individual or bring a team.

• Pick up donated supplies from churches and community partners.

• Refurbish sewing machines.

• Repair and prepare donated bicycles.

• Sew handmade items for Kits.

• Help keep the facility clean and welcoming.

Whether you have a specialized skill or simply a willing heart, there's a place for you to serve.

Traveling from out of town? Thanks to our partnership with Jefferson First UMC, volunteers have access to comfortable rooms and suites at a very affordable cost, making it easy to serve for a day—or stay a little longer.

To learn more about volunteering, lodging, or Midwest Mission Iowa, visit midwestmission.org/iowa.

Help Pack Hope During Serving September

Looking for a meaningful way to serve? Join us for the Serving September Blessing Bag Pack on September 24-25 at either Midwest Mission location.

In just a two-hour volunteer shift, you'll help pack 12,000 Blessing Bags, enough to provide 72,000 nutritious meals for people facing hunger because of disasters, conflict, and humanitarian crises around the world. No experience is needed, and individuals, families, churches, businesses, and community groups are all welcome.

Volunteer shifts are available:

• Thursday, Sept. 24: 9–11 am, 1–3 pm, and 5–7 pm

• Friday, Sept. 25: 9–11 am and 1–3 pm (IL only)

Sign up for Illinois pack: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DADA922AAF8C52-64780630-serving 

Sign up for Iowa pack: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DADA922AAF8C52-64781345-iowa 

Come be part of something bigger than yourself and help bring hope to those who need it most.