Volunteers needed to help load container
Midwest Mission will celebrate a historic milestone Tuesday, Aug. 4, as it sends its first international shipment from its Jefferson location.
The shipment, consisting of student tables and desks, will be loaded at Greene County Elementary School.
Greene County Community Schools has replaced the tables and desks for the coming school year and is pleased to donate the used furniture, as it would otherwise be taken to a landfill. The donation will help furnish a new school in Honduras.
The donated furniture will be packed into a shipping container and sent through Midwest Mission’s long-time partner, Food For The Poor, which is working to build one new school every month in Honduras.
Earlier this year, several volunteers from Midwest Mission lowa traveled to Honduras to visit four schools Midwest Mission has previously supported. During their visit, they saw firsthand how donated desks, school supplies, and food are helping students learn and thrive.
Danille Curtis, lowa director, said about the experience: “Everywhere we went, we saw the same thing: children eager to learn, teachers determined to teach, and parents willing to sacrifice everything they could so their sons and daughters might have a different future than their own.
“We are excited that next week’s shipment will bring even more hope and empowerment to students and their families in Honduras. It is extra special knowing that the furniture is coming from right here in Greene County, the community that has loved and supported Midwest Mission so well.”
The first international shipment from Midwest Mission lowa represents a significant step forward for the Jefferson location. Since opening in 2023, the lowa facility has grown through the generosity of volunteers, donors, churches, and community partners who have helped expand Midwest Mission’s ability to collect, prepare, and distribute resources around the world.
“This shipment has been a dream for Midwest Mission lowa,” said Curtis. “Seeing it become a reality is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.”
In 2026, Midwest Mission has already sent 22 international shipments from its main location in Pawnee, IL. This first shipment from lowa will expand Midwest Mission’s capacity to bring hope and empowerment to communities around the world.
Midwest Mission is seeking volunteers to help load the furniture into the shipping container. Loading will begin at Tuesday at 1 pm at Greene County Elementary School, 401 E Russell St. Volunteers must be able to lift 50+ pounds. Those interested in volunteering should contact Danille Curtis at 515-351-1166 or danille@midwestmission.org.
