Restoring Mobility, Renewing Hope: A Partnership that Goes the Distance

May 8th, 2026 Newsletter

Since 1998, a dedicated group of men at the First Presbyterian Church Wheelchair Ministry in Fort Dodge, Iowa, has quietly been changing lives—one wheelchair at a time. Gathering twice a week, these volunteers repair and refurbish wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids, combining skilled craftsmanship with a deep sense of purpose.

Originally partnering with Hope Haven, the group faced a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to repairable equipment became limited. The group heard about Midwest Mission after the opening of the Iowa location in 2023 and reached out. A simple question—“Could you use our help?”—sparked what has become an extraordinary partnership. Providing mobility and independence to people all over Central America, the Caribbean, and the United States.

The answer was a resounding yes.

In 2025 alone, these volunteers repaired 143 wheelchairs, 89 walkers, 50 sets of crutches, and 23 canes for Midwest Mission. They also refinished cabinets for 14 treadle and electric sewing machines. Remarkably, the group contributed nearly $6,000 of their own donated funds to purchase parts—everything from new seats and backs to leg rests—ensuring each piece of equipment is restored to near-new condition. Their meticulous process even includes removing, cleaning, and replacing wheel bearings to guarantee smooth operation.

“These men set the standard for excellence,” said Chantel Corrie, Executive Director of Midwest Mission. “The quality of their work is truly outstanding—every wheelchair that comes back to us is thoughtfully restored and ready to change someone’s life. 80 million people around the world are waiting for a wheelchair, which means they have no independence.  This partnership reflects the very best of what mission collaboration can look like to meet the needs of the world. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, generosity, and heart for service.”

The ministry is made up of retired men from several local churches, united not only by their skills but also by their shared commitment to service. Among them is Gene Black, age 93, who has been part of the group since its founding and continues to volunteer each week—a testament to the enduring spirit of this ministry.

Each month, Midwest Mission volunteer Mark Babbitt picks up the newly restored items and delivers them to the Midwest Mission Iowa location, and returns to Fort Dodge with equipment in need of repair. Additional sewing machines occasionally make the trip as well, receiving careful refinishing before being sent to support micro business initiatives globally. 

Today, all wheelchairs received by Midwest Mission Illinois and Iowa that require repair are routed through Iowa to Fort Dodge—reflecting the trust and confidence built through this partnership. Midwest Mission staff frequently remark on the exceptional quality of the refurbished equipment and would love to expand the operation to meet the huge need.

For these volunteers, the work is about more than mechanics—it’s about connection. They value the fellowship they share and take pride in being part of a local mission with global impact.

We are deeply thankful to Rick Maehl, the program coordinator, and to every volunteer who gives their time, talent, and resources so generously. Through their hands, mobility is restored—and with it, dignity, independence, and hope for people around the world.

Thrift With A Mission!

It’s officially garage sale season. Driveways are filled with items families no longer need, waiting for someone to give them a second life.

But what if that second life could help change someone else’s life, too?

Many of the items commonly found at garage sales and thrift stores are exactly the kinds of supplies Midwest Mission can send to people around the world and around the corner who need them most. A wheelchair tucked in a garage, a sewing machine collecting dust, or a bike outgrown by a child can become tools of hope and empowerment.

So the next time you stop by a neighborhood sale or browse your local thrift store, shop with a mission in mind. You may find something that can make a lasting impact.

Keep an eye out for:

• Wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and foldable walkers

• Orthopedic supplies

• Bikes (no narrow tires)

• Sewing machines (treadle and electric)

• Fabric pieces larger than one yard

• Metal rakes, hoes, and garden shovels

• Hand tools

• Soccer balls and soccer cleats

Download our flyer to take with you while you shop or to display in your church or community.

Before donating, please make sure items are in good, working condition. Every item we send is a gift to someone in need. If it’s not something you would give to a loved one, we ask that you do not donate it.

Donations can be dropped off at any Midwest Mission location or Collection Site near you. To see a full list of accepted items, visit midwestmission.org/collect-donate.

Donate Your Gently Used School Supplies!

At the end of the school year, so many perfectly good supplies get thrown away — barely used notebooks, pencils that still write, crayons, backpacks, and more.

But in Honduras, many students don’t have access to even the basics. What we no longer need can become exactly what someone else is hoping for.

You can help by donating gently used (or new) school supplies!

Find your nearest drop-off site here.

Learn more at midwestmission.org/schoolsupplies