Good news for your week

Welcome back!

In the middle of this hectic season, we could all use some good news. This week, we are reminded of the power of neighbors stepping up to serve one another and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. We’re sharing some good news from around the world — Community Events in Oklahoma, rebuilding in North Carolina after the hurricanes, and holiday shopping that makes a difference.

Let’s jump into it.

Two towns, one mission

A historic move of hope is changing thousands of lives across Oklahoma.

Over the weekend, Community Events took place in Bartlesville and Pawhuska — just 25 miles from each other — and each community received free resources that helped residents breathe a little easier.

The day of the events, more than 50 churches and organizations volunteered to help serve thousands of their neighbors. There was excitement (and balloons) in the air as children received brand new shoes and haircuts, and even enjoyed a petting zoo at one location.?

“[Our] team has touched every pallet received by Convoy of Hope. That made it incredibly rewarding to see that hard work making a difference in so many lives,” said Convoy team member Mike Abbott, who works in Supply Chain. “I witnessed children of all ages come to the event — even some barefoot — and leave with a new pair of shoes and socks. The smiles on their faces and new bounce in their step makes what we do behind the scenes worth it.”

So far this year, our Community Events team has served more than 166,000 Guests of Honor, distributed more than 13.1 million pounds of product, and hosted at more than 100 distribution sites.?

Read more stories from Bartlesville and Pawhuska and be a part of Community Events into the new year.?

A church's hope is restored

Our team members are witnessing firsthand the catastrophic flooding and damage in areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, even outside of the flood zones. But we’re seeing hope there, too.

When the storm overflowed the Swannanoa River in North Carolina, it left the Free Will Baptist Church in Swannanoa in shambles, flooding the building with mud and water, knocking down walls, and ripping off garage doors.?

Convoy of Hope reached out to their pastor, Jack Ward, and offered support to begin the restoration process. The church will be turning 100 years old next year — and tearing it down to start all over again was the last thing they wanted to do.?

Convoy was able to help prepare the building for restoration by ripping out drywall and spraying for mold, among other necessary tasks.

“The first time I saw the church after the storm, I had no hope. I was sure it was going to be torn down,” Pastor Jack said. “After today, I can finally see the light.”?

Even in their own time of need, volunteers from the church were delivering Convoy’s relief supplies to people and families in the community.

Through your support, these community members are able to see a glimpse of hope and confidence that they will overcome the challenges ahead. Convoy is in the Southeast for the long haul and will be there as long as there’s a need. Read the latest Helene response updates and be a part of the relief efforts today.?

Gift giving made easy

One more hopeful update — the 2024 Gift Catalog is live on our website!

This year’s catalog is filled with creative ideas for how you can support Convoy’s programming. Your financial investment can feed a whole classroom of students, help a mother start her own business, or even equip the next generation of farmers with tools and seeds.

From all of us at Convoy of Hope, we want you to know that your gift is more than a gift — it is actively helping Convoy grow and expand its programs. ??

If you make a gift to help feed a child in our Children’s Feeding program, you are actively helping us reach our goal of feeding 1 million kids every school day by the year 2030.?

This is no small task, but together, we can reach that goal and help even more people in the process. To learn ways you can partner with us this holiday season, visit catalog.convoyofhope.org.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Hope Makes It Happen! As you go, would you share this newsletter with your friends and co-workers? It gives more people a chance to get involved and make a difference. Thank you!