Volunteers Help Send 72,000 Meals to Haiti

May 22nd, 2026 Newsletter

Shipment day is always a good day. The sound of forklifts moving through the warehouse. The chatter of volunteers as they watch the Operations Team load the container. The circle of volunteers and staff members gathered together in prayer, lifting up the shipment and the people who will receive it.

Tuesday was one of those joyful days. 

In just a few weeks, food packed by caring volunteers will be placed in the hands of those who desperately need it in Haiti.

During the prayer circle, Chantel Corrie shared a powerful reminder about the realities of hunger in Haiti. A lack of consistent access to food creates a devastating cycle that affects every part of a person’s life. Beyond malnutrition, many people are unable to take needed medications because taking medicine on an empty stomach can make them sick. Without nourishment or strength, even the simple task of finding the next meal becomes more difficult.

This shipment contains 12,000 Rice and Soy Blessing Bags packed by volunteers across the Midwest. These meals will feed a total of 72,000 people in Haiti. 

That means 72,000 people will have a well-balanced, nutritious meal that will provide them the energy to get through another day, take the medicine they need, and find the next meal for their family.

You can be a part of providing meals to people in need all over the world. $2 provides one Rice and Soy Blessing Bag that feeds six people. Visit midwestmission.org/donate to make a donation.

Your church, organization, or service group can also provide meals by packing Blessing Bags together right where you are. Learn more at midwestmission.org/missionevents.

Lives will be changed because of the supplies you help provide.

The container also included 8,000 hospital blankets as well as scrubber sponges, totaling $98,538.00 worth of supplies.

Collections Around the Midwest — Annual Conferences

Midwest Mission may be coming to your state soon!

Beginning next week, Midwest Mission will travel to 11 Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church to host donation collections supporting people recovering from disaster, poverty, and crisis around the world.

That means you don’t have to travel all the way to Midwest Mission to drop off your donations!

Everyone is welcome to participate — even if you are not attending the conference or do not attend a United Methodist church. If your church leader is attending one of the conferences, consider sending donations along with them (after asking nicely, of course!) to drop off at the Midwest Mission truck.

There is currently a significant need for gently used school supplies, medical equipment, and tools, as well as new fabric, Personal Dignity Kits, and Home Care Kits. These simple but essential items provide dignity, hope, and empowerment to individuals recovering from disaster, poverty, and crisis.

To view the full list of needed donations, visit midwestmission.org/collect-donate.

If you would like to help at one of the conference collections, email mallory@midwestmission.org.

Where will Midwest Mission be? 

• Kearney, NE — May 27-29

• Bexley, OH — May 28-29

• Acme, MI — May 29-30

• Peoria, IL — June 4-5

• Indianapolis, IN — June 5

• Middleton, WI — June 5

• Bismarck, ND — June 5-7

• Wooster, OH — June 11-12

• Des Moines, IA — June 12-13

• Schaumburg, IL — June 14-15

• St. Cloud, MN — June 16-17

  
  

To learn more about each collection location, and to download promotional flyers, visit midwestmission.org/annual-conferences.

Midwest Mission Iowa Sewing Retreat

Have you registered for the Midwest Mission Sewing Retreat yet?

June 18–20, 2026, mission-minded sewists from across the region will gather in Iowa for a meaningful weekend of fellowship, creativity, and service. Together, participants will create hand-sewn items that will be used in Midwest Mission Feminine Hygiene and Layette Kits — resources that bring dignity, comfort, and care to families around the world.

Throughout the retreat, participants will receive pre-cut sewing kits, guidance from experienced instructors, opportunities for worship and fellowship, and plenty of time to connect with others who love sewing with a purpose. Whether you’re highly experienced or simply enjoy sewing and serving, there’s a place for you.

During the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy morning devotions and worship, meals together, and guided sewing sessions. Lodging options in Jefferson, Iowa include accommodations at Jefferson First UMC or a discounted rate at the Cobblestone Hotel.

Come be part of something meaningful while building friendships and making an impact — one stitch at a time.

To register, contact Midwest Mission Iowa at (515) 386-2236 or iowa@midwestmission.org.

If you are in the Springfield, IL area and would like to attend, a group will be carpooling from our Illinois location to Jefferson, IA. Email board member, Darla Holden at djholden81@gmail.com  if you are interested.