World Water Day, U.S. storms responses, and three-tier teamwork

Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and it’s already mid-way through March! We hope you’ve had the chance to get outside and soak up some Vitamin D. Let’s get into what we have going on this spring.

This week: World Water Day, multi-state tornadoes, and why partnering together is better.

Water and peace

Did you know World Water Day has been celebrated every year since 1993? This day highlights the importance of clean water and brings awareness to the 2.2 billion people in the world without proper access to clean water.

This year’s theme for World Water Day is ‘Water for Peace’ to show the positive ‘ripple effects’ when nations work together to create solutions for water-related issues.?

Convoy of Hope sees the value of access to water in various situations and places. Whether it’s in a rural village or a large city, we're dedicated to providing clean water to those impacted by tragedies.

Water is needed for families in the middle of war, for farmers to water their crops, and for communities hit by natural disasters. Water cleanliness matters, too — polluted water can cause waterborne illnesses, insufficient hygiene, and other challenges. Providing proper access to clean water can improve the overall health and well-being of families all over the world.

Whatever the story may be, water brings life and hope — and we're in the hope-making business.???

Give a gift to Convoy’s clean water fund here and tune in on May 22 as we share more.

Spring storms

Multi-state tornado response

Over the past few weeks, storms have crossed the country, wreaking havoc on homes and communities. Last week, multiple states — including Indiana, Ohio, and Arkansas — were hit head on by severe storms that destroyed residential areas, tore down light poles, and killed at least three people.

“I can best describe it as a bomb going off … unbelievable damage,” Logan County, Ohio’s Sheriff Randall Dodds told CNN.?

The recovery process is underway, and Convoy of Hope is on the ground distributing essential supplies, such as food, water, sports drinks, cleaning supplies, tarps, totes, and other needed items. Convoy will continue to run drive-thru and mobile distributions to make sure these families have the basic necessities they need to continue recovering.

Whether it’s loading groceries into the back of a family’s car, cleaning up debris, or handing out totes and tarps, we're there to deliver hope.

Watch the latest storm update here and make a gift to the following responses below:?

• Give to the Indiana/Ohio Tornado Response here.?
• Give to the Arkansas Tornado Response here.?

Texas and Oklahoma wildfires

Recently, Convoy of Hope responded to the Texas/Oklahoma wildfires in a unique way — through delivering hay.

The fires devoured more than 1.2 million acres in Texas, and over 150,000 acres of Oklahoma land. Every disaster response is unique, and they often require creative solutions.?

For this response, Convoy of Hope partnered with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation to transport and deliver hay bales to ranchers as a source of food for their livestock.

Convoy is committed to meeting the unique needs of communities. Whether it’s food and water, clean-up kits and tarps, or bales of hay, Convoy brings help and hope to people in need.?

Read more about our response here.?

A three-tier response

Partnerships are really the bread and butter of Convoy. ????

While partners vary across the globe, at the heart of every disaster response is the goal to equip and empower the local church and community leaders. This is evident in a recent response to the devastating tornadoes in Marianna, Florida.?

For years, Convoy has partnered with Evangel Church in Marianna, Florida, who has been a long-term Rural Initiatives partner (helping rural communities receive the supplies and support they need). It harks back to a 2018 partnership when Convoy helped Evangel Church to provide supplies to their community following Hurricane Michael.

At the start of 2024, Convoy’s Field Teams sent a church group from Utah to serve in Marianna, where they were scheduled to help finish various projects from Hurricane Michael.?

A few days before the team was set to arrive in Marianna, the town was hit by a tornado — causing significant damage to Evangel Church. Convoy immediately responded with truckloads full of essential supplies such as water, hygiene kits, tarps, totes, cleaning supplies, and more.?

“Even in the middle of their chaos, Evangel still wanted to help their community. Their heart for their community is just incredible,” said Convoy’s Julie Aye.?

The field team set to do certain projects that week pivoted to help the church respond to the recent storms.?

With the supplies from Convoy, the manpower from the field team, and the dedication from the Evangel church — they put their hands to work for the whole community.?

The more we come together with communities, the better. By empowering the local church and community leaders, you are preparing them for future responses.?Read the full story here and check out our resources on Field Teams, Disaster Services, and Rural Initiatives.?

Exciting things ahead

• Hope Supply Co.'s Spring Collection — COMING SOON! ?? Be the first to know when the new collection drops by following @hopesupplyco on Instagram and subscribing to receive email notifications at hopesupplyco.com??
• Watch the official recap video from our 2024 International Women's Day celebration, which featured insight and encouragement from Jenna Bush Hager. ??
• Didn’t have a chance to attend? ?? Have no fear, registration for the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration opens THIS FALL. Stay tuned on Convoy: Women’s page for updates.?

Thanks so much for joining us for Hope Makes It Happen! Let us know your thoughts and ways we can improve by emailing [email protected].