Serving Through Sustainability

Stewardship is an important part of what we do here at Midwest Mission. Explore how we sustain our mission by restoring, repurposing, and making the most of every resource.

Billboard Tarps

Ever wondered what happens to old billboard advertisements once their time is up? At Midwest Mission, we give them a new purpose. When disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes strike, many families are left without shelter or protection from the elements. That’s where our partnership with Lamar Advertising comes in. When Lamar removes their durable vinyl billboards, they send them to us. We store these heavy-duty tarps in our warehouse, ready to be shipped wherever they’re needed most. In this way, we offer families a temporary roof and a sense of safety and comfort during difficult times.

Refurbishing Sewing Machines

For many of us, a sewing machine is a tool for creativity or a beloved hobby. But around the world, it can be a lifeline. Midwest Mission accepts donations of new or gently used electric and treadle sewing machines in good working condition. Each one is brought to our sewing machine shop, where dedicated volunteers carefully inspect, repair, and restore it. Once refurbished, the machines are distributed to nonprofit partners around the world, who place them into the hands of their new owners. Through these donations, Midwest Mission Sewing Machines empower individuals to learn valuable skills, provide for their families, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Bleacher Wood Desks

Midwest Mission transforms reclaimed bleacher wood from high schools across the United States into durable Student Desks. Though these bleachers have retired from game days, the wood still has plenty of life left in it. Volunteers carefully disassemble the bleachers and either deliver the wood to Midwest Mission or have our team pick it up. From there, the wood is transformed into Student Desks. These strong, reliable desks can seat up to four young students and have been sent to classrooms around the world—providing children with a comfortable, dependable place to learn.

Refurbished Bicycles

While many of us think of bicycles as a source of recreation or childhood fun, for others, a bicycle can be life-changing. It can mean access to education, employment, healthcare, and opportunity. For many individuals, bicycles are not just a way to get to work—they are their work. People use them to sell goods, transport supplies, or provide rides to others. By sending out refurbished bicycles, Midwest Mission helps remove the barrier of transportation, giving people the freedom to travel, earn an income, and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Plarn Sleeping Mats

Most of us have drawers overflowing with plastic grocery bags and no real plan for them. At Midwest Mission, we transform donated plastic bags into “plarn,” (plastic yarn). This plarn is then woven on handmade looms, crafted by our volunteers, to create sturdy, water-resistant sleeping mats. These mats are lightweight, easy to clean, and provide insulation from cold or damp ground. When disasters strike around the world, Midwest Mission sends these Plarn Sleeping Mats to offer comfort, dignity, and a safer place to rest for people facing displacement or crisis.

Medical Equipment

Many of us hold on to medical or orthopedic equipment for "someday,” but someone needs those items today. Limited mobility can disrupt daily life, work, and school for individuals and their families. This is why Midwest Mission accepts new or gently used medical supplies and equipment. We welcome items such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, hospital beds, and other orthopedic supports. This donated equipment restores dignity and independence to those who receive it, helping people regain mobility and move forward in comfort and confidence.

Emergency Equipment

No one should have to fight fires in jeans and a t-shirt, but in many places around the world, firefighters do not have the necessary gear to safely fight fires. Midwest Mission collects emergency gear and equipment that is expired or no longer used and gives it a new purpose. We send these items to countries where people need resources to safely respond to emergencies. Firefighters, like the ones pictured on the right, in Guatemala, rely on donated U.S. gear to protect their communities. Typical needs include pumper trucks, ambulances, protective clothing, breathing apparatus, exhaust fans, and essential rescue tools.

Reusable Sewn Items

Plastic waste continues to impact ecosystems around the world, and at Midwest Mission, we are committed to being part of the solution. Through the dedication and creativity of our volunteers, reusable sewn items are carefully crafted to replace single-use plastic products in many of our kits. These durable items not only reduce waste but also provide comfort, dignity, and long-lasting usefulness to the people who receive them. With every stitch, our volunteers help protect the environment while empowering individuals and families with sustainable resources.

Solar Energy

The solar projects reflect our commitment to sustainable solutions that care for both people and the planet. By harnessing clean, renewable energy, we reduce our environmental footprint while lowering long-term operational costs. This responsible investment allows more resources to be directed toward disaster relief, community support, and global outreach. Through solar power, we protect God’s creation, model wise stewardship, and ensure that donations are used efficiently and in the most impactful way possible.