After a disaster hits, the news is full of pictures and stories, pleading for the audience to help and empathize for those affected. Hearts are touched and emotions are stirred, leading people to give, volunteer, and pray for the devastated areas. There is a sprint to get needed items to those who have lost everything - water, food, clothing, tools, etc. Midwest Mission rushes to ask donors and volunteers to help supply items that have been specifically requested by partner organizations.

But three days later, the next disaster is on the news. And the cycle has moved onto the next round — news, emotion, prayer, help, repeat.

But, three days later, those impacted by the first disaster have not moved on. Their lives are still in chaos. Their immediate needs might have been met, but they don’t yet know the long-term needs. They are simply surviving. 

Three months later, those impacted have still not recovered, and they are thrown into the depths of long-term planning and recovery. 

Three years later, five years later, 10 years later … they have not moved on. Many outsiders have forgotten — the disaster is brushed aside like every other news cycle. But those in the heat of it haven’t forgotten. The effects of the disaster are still felt physically, mentally, emotionally. They still need relief. 

Disaster relief is not just a sprint, it’s also a marathon. 

That’s why Midwest Mission doesn’t respond only to immediate needs when a disaster hits. Years later, we are still prepared to provide what is needed to affected areas. 

In late July of 2022, torrential rains flooded large areas throughout southeastern Kentucky, washing away items, homes, and bridges. Midwest Mission immediately responded with shovels, hammers, trash bags, totes, bed sheet sets, Tornado Kits, and other requested relief supplies.

Nine months later, another shipment was sent to continue aiding in clean-up efforts. On April 13, 2023 a semi-truck left Midwest Mission full of 324 UMCOR Cleaning Kits and 312 UMCOR Hygiene Kits. 

This isn’t the end of the help they will need — the marathon continues.

One year ago, in April of 2022, Midwest Mission sent its first shipment to Ukraine. This shipment brought food to those who were in need, to provide energy and sustenance to continue fighting. From then on, you have continuously answered Midwest Mission’s call to provide Rice Meals, socks and underwear, Personal Dignity Kits, and monetary donations.

One year and 11 shipments later, the needs are the same. The disaster, albeit man-made, is still in full force. People are still being displaced, many now living as refugees in foreign countries. The need is still great, and the response must still be great.

The war in Ukraine might be out of the news cycle, but it’s not out of our hearts.

Ukrainians need food, and we are called on to provide it. Almost every shipment we have sent has included at least 12,000 Rice Meals. Churches around the Midwest have responded to Midwest Mission’s call to host Rice Meal packs.

But, Ukraine still needs more food.

That’s why Midwest Mission is hosting another Rice Meal Pack for Ukraine.

Next week, April 15 and 17-21, we welcome you to join us and pack meals.

Our goal is to pack 48,000 meals to feed 288,000 people in and around Ukraine.

We have shifts open 8:30am-11:30am Saturday (April 15) and Friday (April 21) and shifts open 8:30am-3:30pm Monday-Thursday (April 17-20). 

For more info and to sign up for your shift, go to midwestmission.org/springricepack

You graciously helped us with the initial sprint.

We are dedicated to the marathon. Are you?

Our goal is to make 48,000 Rice Meals in ONE WEEK!

In order to accomplish this, we are hosting a week-long Rice Meal Pack at Midwest Mission!

This is a great opportunity to make a global impact from right in the Midwest.

Bring a friend or family member!

See more info and sign up at midwestmission.org/springricepack

Helpful Links

• to donate: midwestmission.org/donate
• to buy items and have them sent to Midwest Mission: click here for shampoo and here for liquid dish soap
• to see more info on collecting and donating: click here

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Projects completed

• 150 Birthing Kits
• 48 Home Care Kits
• 10 Feminine Hygiene Kits
• 1,340 Personal Dignity Kits
• 432 UMCOR Cleaning Kits

Other work done

• Bike repair
• Cleaning
• Groundskeeping
• Sewing machines repaired
• Desks - make parts, polyurethane
• Truck decal removal
• Trace patterns

Disbursements

• United Way, Amory, MS: 864 UMCOR Cleaning Kits Value: $64,800.00
• UMCOR Sager Brown, Baldwin, LA: 1,008 UMCOR Cleaning Kits Value: $75,600.00
• No Mountain too High Christian Ministries, Athens, IL: 20 Bicycles Value: $1,800.00
• Maryville Food Pantry, Maryville, IL: Redirect hygiene supplies Value: $72.00
• Red Bird Mission, Beverly, KY: 312 UMCOR Hygiene Kits, 324 UMCOR Cleaning Kits Value: $28,256.00

Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!



Ready to Get Involved?

Volunteer at Midwest Mission

Dates are available in 2023 and 2024

Need a Saturday option for team volunteering

or assistance in booking?

Contact Pat Wright at pat@midwestmission.org

or 217-697-4063

Click below to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.

Volunteer Reservation Calendar



2025 Volunteer Calendar is now open for dorm reservations!

Go to our Reservation Calendar, log in, reserve your rooms, and submit payment for your Non-refundable Reservation Fee via credit card or electronic check. We will email you the Access Code to reserve Volunteer Shifts for your team. You must complete this step for your team to volunteer at Midwest Mission.

For local teams and individuals: Volunteer Shifts will only be available 3 months ahead of time. Beginning October 1, 2024 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for January of 2025.

Thank you for your patience as we try to improve the reservation experience for both local teams and those staying in the dorm.

Jeff and Jane Johnson

Glen Carbon, IL

Ruth and Bob Brown

New Haven, OH

Mary Marty

Brownsburg, IN

Grace UMC

Lansing, MI

Waverly First UMC

Waverly, IL

First UMC

Lincoln, IL

Douglas Avenue UMC

Springfield, IL

Monticello UMC

Monticello, IL