The Heartbeat of Midwest Mission: Honoring Our Volunteers
- mallory865
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
April 17th, 2026 Newsletter
A steady rhythm flows throughout Midwest Mission. It is formed by the sound of hands assembling kit after kit, the hum of songs being sung around worktables, the roar of a truck engine hauling off a load of supplies, the buzz of excitement during food and kit packs.
It drives on with the beat of every heart of our volunteers.
The month of April is National Volunteer month, which means we get to celebrate and show our gratitude to those who drive our mission forward. During this time, we pause—not out of obligation, but out of deep gratitude—to recognize the thousands of hands and hearts that continue to make this work possible.
Long before Midwest Mission became what it is today, it began with people willing to show up. People who offered their time, their energy, and their hearts in service to others. Quite literally, this place was built by volunteers. And in the years since, that same spirit continues to shape everything we do and stand for.
In 25 years, more than 53,244 volunteers have been part of this mission. But our volunteers are far more than a number on a spreadsheet. Each person who steps through these doors becomes part of a story that stretches far beyond these walls. Every kit assembled, every project completed, every shipment sent carries the care of many hands and the compassion of many hearts.
We often say here, ‘we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers.’ And we will keep saying it, because it will never stop being true.
Our volunteers are the backbone of the transformative work being done through Midwest Mission.
A few weeks ago, our newest staff member, Caleigh, began her onboarding differently than most: she spent her first week volunteering alongside the people who make this mission run. Afterward, she reflected:
“While each task was new and exciting, what stood out most was the deep appreciation I gained for our volunteers. They welcomed me to Midwest Mission with smiles and open arms, making me feel immediately at home. They gave me a greater understanding of the vital role volunteers play in Midwest Mission’s work. Their time, energy, and servant hearts are what make it possible for us to reach communities in need around the world. I am immensely blessed and grateful to be surrounded by such incredible volunteers who make Midwest Mission possible. Working alongside them to carry out the mission was an experience I will always cherish.”
Her words echo what we see every day. A willingness to serve. A shared sense of purpose. A community that shows up, not for recognition, but because they believe in what this mission stands for.
In a world that often encourages us to hold tightly to our time and comfort, our volunteers choose something different. They choose to give. They choose to serve. They choose to transform lives.
This mission does not belong to a single person or group. It is carried forward by every volunteer who sees a need and responds with action.
Because of you, this mission moves forward. Because of you, lives are being transformed — one kit, one project, one shipment at a time.
Service That Brings a Community Together
As we reflect on the impact of our volunteers, we are grateful for opportunities to highlight the meaningful ways people are serving in their communities.
In Michigan, pastors from Heritage District 3 gathered to host a Blessing Bag packing event as part of their monthly Methodist ministry meeting. All 15 churches in the district contributed financially, and more than 110 volunteers from 10 churches came together to serve. It was a powerful example of what can happen when a community unites with a shared purpose.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was the involvement of a local Girl Scout troop, whose energy and enthusiasm brought a special joy to the event. The girls decorated meal kit boxes, created thank-you cards for volunteers, and encouraged those around them throughout the day. Their presence served as a meaningful reminder of why this work matters.
This troop has been together for four years and has made community service a consistent and important part of their time together. Through experiences like this, they are building empathy, responsibility, and a lasting spirit of generosity.
Marta Conrad and Dennis Ferguson, co-chairs of the event, shared, “This was our first time hosting a Midwest Mission event, and it was a tremendous success—one of those days that reminds us what community is all about.”
Keep Collecting and Assembling — The Annual Conference Season is Almost Here!
Each year, Midwest Mission sets up temporary collection sites at United Methodist Annual Conferences throughout the Midwest. For two days during each conference, churches from across the state can drop off supplies at a designated donation location — making it far easier than traveling all the way to Midwest Mission.
Annual Conference season begins at the end of May, which means now is the time to be collecting donations, assembling Kits, and spreading the word in your church and community!
Here are a few items we especially need this year:
Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches in good condition
We will gladly accept anything that is in our Kits and Projects Brochure
What Can You Do?
Organize a supply drive at your church or with friends.
Host a Kit assembly event for Personal Dignity Kits or Home Care Kits. (Find shopping lists and assembly instructions at midwestmission.org/kits.)
Share this opportunity with others who may want to get involved.
You can find specific dates and locations for Annual Conference Collections at midwestmission.org/annual-conferences. And remember — you do not have to attend the conference to drop off supplies at a collection site!
Together, we can transform resources into humanitarian relief that transforms lives!