Hope Quarterly | Issue 03

Quarterly 6 Prepared

to respond

24 COHEU provides wood stoves

26 Bringing relief to refugees

ISSUE 03

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CHICAGO’S HOPE

Chicago’s Hope

What to do while you’re waiting

Dancember

Aeneas Williams serves in Ferguson

The bystander problem

ISSUE 03

Quarterly 4 6 8 9

From The President

The first signs of hope

Preparedness Month

Prepared for disaster

Join The Convoy

Doing more, together

The Hope Supply

Where hope is the heart of the story

10 Compassionate Living

A guide for living kindly

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Strategic Giving

How giving can keep cash in your pocket FEATURE:

Chicago’s Hope

Portraits of Determination and Optimism

19 Places

Exploring a Community Event

22 Partners

Celebrating our incredible friends

23 People

Meet Benji and Judy Travis

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Latest News

Updates on our work around the world

The Last Word

Hear from Co-Founder, Dave Donaldson

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CHICAGO’S HOPE Portraits of Determination and Optimism

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THE FIRST SIGNS OF HOPE

RELIEF TO REFUGEES Serving thousands in the Middle East and Europe

A message from Hal Donaldson

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?

AENEAS WILLIAMS, FORMER ST. LOUIS RAM, VOLUNTEERS AT FERGUSON, MO., COMMUNITY EVENT

MEET BENJI AND JUDY TRAVIS

On The Cover: Emmanuel, 10, received shoes, groceries and much more at the Chicago Community Event. | Photographer: Austin Elliott

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

A message from Hal Donaldson

THE FIRST SIGNS OF HOPE Hal Donaldson President and Co-Founder @haldonaldson on Twitter

In 2004, a tsunami in the Indian Ocean killed 225,000 people and displaced 1.7 million more.

Immediately Convoy of Hope relief teams raced to Indonesia and Sri Lanka to distribute food and supplies to survivors in devastated areas.

Although I have visited numerous disaster sites around the world, I’ll never forget the despair etched on the faces of the families who survived the tsunami — they had no warning. In an instant, loved ones and possessions were lost.

In village after village, I witnessed families combing through collapsed huts and piles of debris, recovering bodies and possessions.

As our trucks, filled with emergency supplies, entered villages, barefoot children came running — it was as if we were the first sign of hope they’d ever seen.

As supplies were distributed, grief-stricken residents nodded, smiled and expressed gratitude.

I was reminded how crucial a bag of rice, a blanket, a tent and a water filter are to those who have lost everything they own.

Emergency supplies stem the tide of disease and malnutrition and make recovery possible.

Friends, like you, empower Convoy of Hope to bring help and hope to disaster survivors across the United States and around the world. Whenever and wherever disasters strike, we are among the first on the scene to alleviate pain and suffering.

Together we have restored hope to survivors in places like New Orleans, Japan, New York City, Joplin, Missouri, and Moore, Oklahoma. And more recently, we brought help and hope to places as far-flung as Nepal.

Please know your generosity and compassion have helped families and children survive the worst days of their lives and find their way to recovery.

On behalf of the survivors, thank you for giving and caring. God bless you.

Quarterly 330 S. Patterson Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 Hope Quarterly is published by Convoy of Hope.

Published: Issue 03 - Fall 2015

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kirk Noonan

MANAGING EDITOR

Michelle Stormzand

HEAD OF COMMUNITY

Molly Erickson

CREATIVE HEAD OF CREATIVE

Jeff Hedrick

DESIGNER

Jacob Scowden

HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jess Heugel

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Austin Elliott, Chris Olson

CARTOON ARTIST

Earl Morgan

MARKETING

Photo: The colors in Ethiopia are as vibrant as the people who wear them. Women prepare lunches at one of the many businesses Convoy of Hope has helped start through Women’s Empowerment.

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Photographer: Austin Elliott

HEAD OF MARKETING

Jeff Roman

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Champion Slye

MARKETING MANAGER

Molly Hurt

CONTRIBUTORS

Laura Hunn, Whitley Mumm, Nolan Tarantino

SPECIAL THANKS

Kevin Jonas, Anne Beiler, David Cribbs, Dominick Garcia, Michael L. Kern, III, Hugh “Ossie” Mills, Dishan Wickramaratne, Nick Garza, Klayton Ko, Brad Rosenberg, Barry Corey, Court Durkalski, Randy Hurst, Tom Carter, Brad Trask, Aaron Cole, Cheryl Jamison, Kirk Yamaguchi

FEEDBACK

feedback@convoy.org

WEBSITE

convoyofhope.org

TWITTER

@convoyofhope

FACEBOOK

/convoyofhope

HASHTAG

#hope

POSTMASTER

Send address changes: Hope Quarterly 330 S. Patterson Ave. Springfield, MO 65802

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DISASTER SERVICES

How Convoy of Hope stays prepared for disaster

Hope in every storm.

1. Food & Water We rely on great partners that allow us to respond immediately. Examples of product distributed include: MREs, canned goods, packaged product, water and ice. These items and more are stored in our 300,000square-foot warehouse.

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2. Equipment We have a fleet to ensure we can best respond in communities after a disaster strikes. Our equipment list includes tractortrailers, a skid steer, 4x4 vehicles, dually trucks, chain saws, generators and more.

Our team is trained and ready to utilize this equipment to help as many people as possible.

3. Technology We have a number of resources that help us stay up-to-date. The Convoy of Hope Operation Center (COHOC) allows our team to monitor and track weather patterns and serves as a central hub during disasters. The Mobile Command Center allows our team to deploy anywhere in the United States, and satellite communicators are used to communicate and track team members throughout the world.

4. Cash & Expertise Because we have generous donors who support us, we are able to respond quickly.

Brand accountability is important to us and we have received credentials from FEMA, VOAD, ECFA and Charity Navigator.

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How to prepare your family for the unexpected

DISASTER SERVICES

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Hope in every home.

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1. Food & Water You should have a 7-day supply of food in your family’s disaster preparedness kit, as well as one gallon of water per family member, per day. This will allow you to get by in the event you do not have electricity or cannot simply run to the grocery store.

2. Warmth & Technology Disasters happen year-round. It’s imperative to have items to keep you warm like blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes.

Having a weather radio and extra batteries will help you know what to expect.

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Visit convoyofhope.org/preparedness to download a weekly checklist to prepare your home.

3. First Aid & Personal Hygiene During disasters, your health and safety are key. Make sure you are prepared with a first aid kit, medication and any personal hygiene items you may need. Germs are easily spread during disasters, so prevention is key.

4. Cash & Documentation In case of emergency, have cash and copies of any important documents and identification. Anything can be destroyed or lost during a disaster, so it’s vital to have copies of these documents in a portable water- and fire-proof box. It is also wise to have copies of these items with a trusted family member or friend that resides in another state.

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Join the

Journey and work abroad

Volunteer in Springfield

Host a party with a purpose

Convoy of Hope Field Teams are groups of volunteers that serve alongside in-country staff and partners throughout our focus countries for one week durations so children, families and every community can flourish.

Hands of Hope volunteer night happens every Tuesday at our World Distribution Center in Springfield, Missouri. Volunteers pack food for our international feeding programs and bag groceries for our Community Events.

Host a Hands & Hearts Party!

Invite friends to enjoy inspiring conversation and share about the work Convoy of Hope is doing.

Discover how you can make an impact in your community and throughout the world.

Field Trip Availability

Where

Details

World Distribution Center 330 S. Patterson Ave Springfield, MO 65802

It’s simple! Register online and we’ll send you a free party kit to help make it happen.

Apply

When

Register

convoy.org/teams

Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

convoy.org/hhparty

Coming to a city near you

Feed a kid for $10 per month!

One Day to Feed the World

Convoy of Hope may be bringing a Community Event to a city near you.

Check out convoy.org/events.

Everyone can do something. Sign up to feed a child nutritious meals at feedone.com.

The average person works 240 days a year. Give One Day’s wage and get your church involved at odtftw.org.

the

Philippines Kenya Tanzania Albania

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The Supply Hope is the heart of the story We believe that hope is the common denominator of our stories.

The Hope Supply is your opportunity to journey with us, by the power of stories, to faraway places — and perhaps even your community.

Subscribe to HOPE Dispatches

Register for HOPE Quarterly

Monthly Email

Electronic Issue

convoy.org/blog

Upcoming Events OCT

NOV

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Sandpoint, Idaho Denver, Colo. CE

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World Food Day

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CE

CONVOY OF HOPE® Community Event

DEC

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Hope Connection Springfield, Mo.

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Giving Tuesday

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Int’l Volunteer Day

Las Vegas, Nev. CE

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Human Rights Day

Thanksgiving

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Christmas Day

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Final day to give in 2015

Stay informed everywhere you go.

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COMPASSIONATE LIVING

A guide for living kindly

What to do while you’re waiting by: Laura Hunn

We’ve all heard the saying, “good things come to those who wait,” but few of us probably consider ourselves patient. We live in an era where everything is fast-paced and instantly available, yet often find ourselves waiting for something to happen: graduation, the right job, a package in the mail or even life direction.

Here are a few suggestions of what to do while you wait.

1. Do something. Whether it’s a hobby or a volunteer opportunity [with an organization like Convoy of Hope], dive into something that makes a difference.

2. Expect the unexpected.

Opportunity often comes when you least anticipate it. Be open to new experiences and new ideas: You never know where they might lead.

3. Wait — don’t wait. Don’t let life pass you by while you’re being patient. Enjoy the moment and don’t miss out on the good things that are happening right now.

4. Give back. Spend time giving back to others — you may find the answers to what you’re waiting for in a way you never expected.

Tips for giving compassionately

STRATEGIC GIVING

Before you reach for the checkbook, stop and think!

Give yourself a moment to carefully look at the pie charts above. Now, ask yourself a couple of questions: • What non-cash gifts have I donated this year?

• What non-cash things do I own?

Why could this be important to you?

Imagine the benefit of not making all of your charitable gifts with cash. If you itemize your tax deductions, you may experience multiple tax savings. In fact, every donor (itemizers and non-itemizers) who makes a non-cash gift will have extra money to use for other purposes. They keep the cash they would have used to make the charitable gift.

Your friends at Convoy of Hope want to encourage you to be curious about making a “stop and think” non-cash gift this year.

Examples of non-cash gifts are stock (including stock in your own business), real estate, valuable collections, jewelry, etc.

Convoy of Hope welcomes these gifts.

We are also willing to accept gifts and share the future proceeds with your church and other charitable organizations you support.

Thank you for taking a moment to consider how you might be able to give both generously and differently this year.

Get information about gifts of stock, our donor advised fund or other planned giving opportunities: convoy.org/planned

Dan Rice Philanthropy Architect (417) 823-8998 drice@convoyofhope.org

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Chicago’s Hope ISSUE 03 12

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CHICAGO’S HOPE Portraits of Determination and Optimism

Marquette Park in Chicago’s southwest side is an idyllic place for a Convoy of Hope signature event.

Verdant rolling hills, hundreds of shade trees, swaths of green, well-tended baseball fields, a nine-hole golf course and an expansive lagoon serve as respite for moms pushing strollers, grade-schoolers looking for adventure and grandparents bent on keeping their grandkids engaged with nature, rather than video games or with what the surrounding city streets may offer.

But the park — one of the biggest in Chicago, at 323 acres — is also hub to one of the most violent areas of the city. Recent media headlines reflect this: • A 16-year-old was killed in the Marquette Park neighborhood.

• The most recent fatal shooting happened early Sunday in the South Side Marquette Park neighborhood.

• Police comb Marquette Park lagoon in search of a missing woman.

Recently, leaders and volunteers — from dozens of local churches, businesses, government agencies and organizations — partnered with Convoy of Hope to bring help and hope to residents in the neighborhoods surrounding Marquette Park.

“This was not just about giving out free stuff,” says David Moore, alderman of Chicago’s 17th Ward, where the park is located. “This was about giving people hope to press on another day, another month and another year.”

Steve Pulis, signature event director for Convoy of Hope, concurs.

“Many of the residents here want their neighborhoods to change for the better,” he says. “They want peace and hope, rather than violence and crime.”

In the following pages, you’ll meet some of the 1,900-plus volunteers and 10,000plus guests of honor who gathered at the park. The help and hope they received is possible because of friends like you.

by: Kirk Noonan and Molly Erickson

More than 10,000 guests of honor attended the Chicago Community Event.

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Optimism During Uncertainty

Larry Delaney sits on a metal folding chair under a shade tree. He sips coffee and tells of his love for his family, the setbacks they’ve endured, and life in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods.

“We brought our kids to the park to get school supplies,” he says, noting his sons are in line for overdue haircuts. “I can’t just go out and spend 30 bucks when the boys need haircuts, so this is a big help.”

A fresh haircut; a fresh outlook.

Like other guests of honor, Delaney and his family had access to health services such as vaccinations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and dental check-ups. As they made their way through the site they received lunch, bags of groceries and even a pair of shoes for each son.

“Now I can focus on getting them boots for winter,” says Larry, glancing at bags holding the new shoes his sons received. He pauses as if envisioning the cold winter months ahead.

When asked what the event means to the community, he gets philosophical.

“It’s almost like the segregation between the races is gone,” he says. “Everybody will take a little hope with them when they leave today.”

Larry Delaney and his son relax in the shade at the event.

Community Events since 1994 Number of Guests of Honor served: 1,996,218

Number of volunteers serving: 372,560

Volunteer hours: 2,980,480

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A Valued Partner Since 2012, Plum Organics has partnered with Convoy of Hope to distribute nutritious organic snack pouches and mealtime products throughout the United States, where more than 16 million children are estimated to be food insecure. Through this trusted partnership, Plum Organics has distributed millions of dollars’ worth of product through our signature events. For more information, visit plumorganics.com.

Plum Organics is a valuable partner of Convoy of Hope.

More than Food At the Plum Organics Full Effect tent, hundreds of guests file through, gladly taking free recipe cards and Super Smoothies. Jillian Quainoos, a lead volunteer, says these are tools that can help people eat better.

“Just giving out food isn’t enough,” says Jillian, a dietician, as she interacts with the guests as they enter the tent. “Talking to and educating people is what works.”

Plum was founded with the mission to get the very best food from the very first bite to all little ones.

Kaitlin Riffel, 14, distributed 816 backpacks at the event.

“We firmly believe that when little ones receive the right nutrients, they can live to their full potential and have their full effect on the world,” says Victoria Fiore, head of Missions at Plum Organics. “Our partnership with Convoy of Hope helps us deliver on our mission.”

And it seems to be working. Just outside the tent’s exit, 11-year-old Leighton sips a Super Smoothie.

“I love this stuff,” he says. “It’s so good!”

Kid on a Mission Kaitlin Riffel, founding director of Kids on a Mission based in Fresno,

California, can’t help but smile.

She’s standing at a tent passing out backpacks — 816 of them, which her organization provided.

“We wanted to help other kids and bless them with a backpack for the new school year,” says Riffel, 14, noting that many of those who donate to her organization are kids. “It’s been cool to be a part of Convoy of Hope and blessing kids in Chicago with our backpacks.”

Living in a Dangerous Place Long lines in the Kids Zone are present as children angle to get another session in the bounce (continued on page 16)

Community Events since the start of 2015 Guests of honor served: 49,360

Volunteers serving: 12,418

Children’s shoes distributed: 13,512

Women’s shoes distributed: 13,261

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Marquette Park 135,000 residents within 10 blocks of the park.* 540,000 residents within 2.5 miles of the park.* Highest murder rate in the city. *an estimated 30% of residents are not reflected in statistics.

Marquita and her three children were excited about the services and supplies at the event.

houses. Marquita, a thirty-something mother with a teenager and two grade-schoolers swarming at her legs, doesn’t hesitate when asked what she worries about.

“The gun violence,” she says, before looking at her children. “As we walk down the street, I’m always thinking, ‘Are we gonna be the next ones [shot]?’”

Marquita has reason to be concerned: In the first five months of the year, 161 people were murdered

Plum Organics product distributed: more than 114,000 units

throughout the city. Marquita wants better for her family and is thankful Convoy of Hope is present on this day. According to Marquita, the community event has brought an uncommon peace to the neighborhood and she’s happy to see families from different neighborhoods interacting.

“Don’t stop doing these events,” she says. “These are what our communities need. They’re an inspiration to our youth and they really give us something to look forward to.”

Education, resources and services provided to women through NBCF: 8,393

Haircuts: 3,353

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Keeping Them in the Picture Convoy of Hope is proud to partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF) to provide guests of honor with education, support and earl`y detection services.

For more information, visit nbcf.org.

Lisa relied on her friends, family and support groups to get her through the difficult times. She started chemotherapy and radiation and in late 2012 received the best news she could receive — she was cancer-free.

“Through Convoy of Hope, we have access to communities with an underserved population,” says Samantha Moon, programs coordinator for NBCF. “That population is at a higher risk for late-stage breast cancer because they don’t have access to early detection services.”

When asked how it felt when she heard those words come from her doctor, Lisa took a deep breath then slowly exhaled. Her body seemed to slip into a peaceful stance. “Joy,” she said as her eyes filled with tears.

Later in the day, more tears fell under the NBCF tent — but this time from a volunteer. Stacey, age 46, was decked out in all her breast cancer awareness accessories as a way to honor her late mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2010.

Breast cancer survivor, Lisa, beamed outside the NBCF tent in Chicago.

Saving Moms and Daughters Lisa, a 51-year-old breast cancer survivor wearing a brightly colored “Breast Cancer Survivor” t-shirt, beams as she is greeted at the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® tent by representatives and volunteers. Her smile is one of resilience, determination and gratitude — all honed during her battle with cancer.

“It was devastating,” says Lisa of her diagnosis in 2011. “I was in a state of shock.”

“I hope she’s proud of me,” Stacey says of her mother, noting that the NBCF tent is important for women because of the early detection education and support services they offer. Throughout the day, Stacey could be heard encouraging other women to be aware and know their bodies so that they can take control of their health — a key talking point passed onto each woman who comes through the tent.

“It means a lot to me that these resources exist,” says Stacey of the education and services offered by NBCF. “Being aware saves mothers and daughters, and if I can help one person with my story — it’s worth it.” (continued on page 18)

Family portraits: 4,485

Backpacks and back-to-school items distributed: 4,800

Resumes created in Job & Career Services: 210 *As of 9/1/15.

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1

Meet people where they are.

Community Event sites are determined by geographical need as well as accessibility.

2

Leave with more.

Guests will leave with more than what they came with. We deliver 35,000-70,000 lbs of groceries to a city for each event.

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Something to remember.

Thousands of kids enjoyed face painting, bounce houses and carnival games at the event.

Providing for Communities On a neat row of plastic chairs under the big top of the shoe tent, several children are being fitted with TOMS shoes.

Standing nearby, with shoes in hand, is Sophia, a mother of one of the children.

“It’s challenging to feed our kids and clothe them,” she admits. “The fact that Convoy is here giving shoes and back-toschool supplies, well, I really appreciate that.”

She could be talking for any number of guests of honor on this day who struggle to put food on the table and clothe their children. In less than a minute Sophia

rattles off all the services and products she’s received at the event by counting them on her fingers.

When asked what she would tell Convoy of Hope supporters, she smiles broadly and says: “Continue to keep up the good work, it’s impacting lives in a good way.”

The family photo guests receive at an event is a great keepsake to remember a joyful family day full of hope. Many families have never had the opportunity to receive a family photo before.

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Partners make it happen.

We can only serve tens of thousands of guests each year because of our faithful partners and friends that offer their support.

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The Guest of Honor principle.

At our Community Events, we have a guest of honor principle. We want each person that walks through the entrance to be treated with respect and dignity.

At a recent event, one guest of honor said, “By the time I left the event today, I didn’t feel needy.”

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GIVE

HOPE NOW!

Chased from their homes — please help them — Give HOPE now!

Refugees are in desperate need.

Persecution. Hunger.

Torment. Desperation.

Families forced to flee.

Right now, Convoy of Hope and Convoy of Hope Europe are providing food and other emergency supplies to refugee children and their families.

Your immediate response is needed.

Please don’t wait — Give HOPE now!

give.convoyofhope.org/refugeecrisis

Or by mail at:

P.O. Box 219368 Kansas City, MO 64121-9368

Disclosure Statement At Convoy of Hope, accountability and transparency are an integral part of everything we do. From every purpose restricted donation, Convoy of Hope’s Independent Board of Directors may allocate between 12% and 20% of that donation to cover its administrative and fundraising costs. If restricted donations exceed the need of the crisis, the capacity to respond to a crisis and/or when local conditions prevent effective assistance, Convoy of Hope’ s Independent Board of Directors may allocate these funds to other worthy projects that help Convoy of Hope fulfill its global mission of helping children and families in need. A copy of Convoy of Hope’s annual audited financial statement is available at www.convoyofhope.org/financials North Carolina: A copy of the license to solicit charitable contributions as a charitable organization or sponsor and financial information may be obtained from the Department of Human Resources, Solicitation Licensing Branch, by calling (919) 733-4510.

Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Pennsylvania: A copy of the official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1(800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Virginia: A financial statement is available from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Affairs, upon request. Washington: You may obtain additional financial disclosure information on file with the Secretary of State’s Office. You can contact them at Charities Division, Secretary of State’s Office, P.O. Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

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PARTNERS

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Celebrating our incredible friends

A

B

C A Pastor Aeneas Williams, former player for the St. Louis Rams, recently served guests of honor at the Community Event in Ferguson, Missouri.

Area churches, businesses and other organizations served more than 3,200 guests of honor at the event.

B Carhartt, Inc. hosted a Day of Giving and helped pack more than 25,000 meals for Convoy of Hope.

C Members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation made public statements thanking Convoy of Hope for the Community Event that took place in Minneapolis in August.

D John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and Convoy of Hope announced their new national philanthropic partnership that will focus on feeding hungry children and tackling systemic poverty in the United States and throughout the world.

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Meet Benji and Judy Travis

Benji and Judy Travis have amassed millions of views on YouTube. The couple and their three daughters have partnered with Convoy of Hope for Dancember, the Travis’ 24-hour live broadcast on their YouTube channel that will raise funds for children and families in Convoy of Hope’s programs throughout the world.

Benji says Dancember started with the intent of raising funds to help homeless teens in the U.S. “We offered to dance for 24 hours if our YouTube viewers hit our fundraising goal,” says Benji. The campaign generated a lot of buzz among their fans and ended up smashing their original goal. The couple has since chosen several other nonprofits to support.

Benji attributes Dancember’s appeal to how fun it is to participate: the couple isn’t just providing a platform for donors to give — they offer a little entertainment in return.

PEOPLE

In Benji’s Words We created Dancember because…

Giving back is really important to us. And giving in a non-traditional way is much more fun.

The best thing about my wife is…

She’s beautiful, inside and out: She’s genuine and kind-spirited.

Everyday I live by the rule…

Be grateful. Find balance. Prioritize.

The greatest thing I’ve learned, being a dad is…

Being a father is a privilege. You’re their source of wisdom. You get to teach a human being how to be a human being.

Dancember will air December 18-19 at convoyofhope.org/dancember.

Check out Benji and Judy’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/itsJudysLife for more information.

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LATEST NEWS

Our work around the world

Convoy of Hope Europe provides wood stoves in Ukraine by: Laura Hunn Convoy of Hope Europe (COHEU) is helping the residents of Donbass, Ukraine, who have been caught in the violence between Ukrainian troops and separatist forces, leaving many without power and access to clean water.

COHEU distributed wood stoves to 300 families to provide heat for their homes, along with seeds for families to grow and store food for the coming winter months.

Local volunteers have been equipped to distribute supplies, administer aid and counsel affected residents.

Our work around the world

LATEST NEWS

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A Convoy of Hope has been serving the people of Nepal since the deadly April 25 earthquake hit, which killed more than 9,000 and left over 23,000 injured. More than 1.1 million meals have been distributed, as well as clean water, temporary shelter kits and building supplies to more than 8,952 families, representing 42,074 individual beneficiaries.

B 2014 Women’s Empowerment participants in the Philippines experienced a 400% increase in income after receiving their business startup capital. More than 3,000 participants have graduated since the program’s inception in 2010.

C We serve nearly 150,000 children in our Children’s Feeding Initiative in 10 countries around the world. Providing help and hope to hurting children is what drives us. Our goal is to regularly feed 200,000 children by 2020.

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LATEST NEWS

Bringing Relief to Refugees

Volunteers unload much-needed supplies for refugees.

Bringing Relief to Refugees by: Michelle Stormzand

In an effort to alleviate some of the dangerous conditions refugees face as they flee their impoverished and war-torn homelands, Convoy of Hope has implemented a long-term strategy to bring help and hope to tens of thousands of people in Europe and the Middle East.

“Refugees in the Middle East face horrendous conditions in camps all over the region,” says Chris Dudley, Disaster Services

response director. “Because children and women are the most vulnerable in these situations, we have given them priority.”

will be shorter in duration, as these families are in temporary situations. Both responses will be comprehensive, however.

Since November 2014, Convoy of Hope has provided food, blankets, mattresses, heaters, heating oil, newborn health kits, baby formula and winter coats to refugees in overpopulated camps.

Additionally, 800,000 meals have been distributed to 13,452 refugees, 70% of whom were children.

“Our interventions will include food, clean water, blankets, rain ponchos, heaters, heater oil and laundry services,” says Mike Clark, senior advisor and senior policy director of International Program. “And we expect to serve approximately 5,000 refugees in the coming months.”

Currently we continue to provide refugees, as well as our partner organizations, with emergency food, supplies and finances to help meet the immediate needs of families who have fled to Europe.

Convoy’s European response

The response in the Middle East is expected to last approximately two years, with an estimated cost of $240 to support each child refugee.

A message from Co-Founder, Dave Donaldson

WILLING HANDS, READY TO RESPOND Dave Donaldson Co-Founder @daviddonaldson on Twitter

Several years ago, I read the book The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell.

He wrote about the bystander problem — a situation in which people avoid helping in an emergency situation when they believe someone else in the crowd will do it. Conversely, Gladwell reported that if a person believes he or she is the only line of help in the same emergency situation, they are more than twice as likely to aid the victim.

THE LAST WORD

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When Convoy of Hope was founded in 1994, we didn’t know we’d be responding to disasters throughout the world. But in 1998, we responded to flooding in Del Rio, Texas, following Tropical Storm Charley, which set the precedent for our Disaster Services team.

Since then, we’ve responded to more than 225 disasters worldwide, and continue to provide long-term help and hope to survivors long after the media and other organizations leave the area. The bystander problem is not in our vocabulary, because we aren’t content to sit around waiting for someone to jump in and help when crisis strikes.

We’re only able to respond because of friends like you.

Thank you for enabling us to be the help that people can count on when they need it most.

GIVEtoHOPE REFUGEES Chased from their homes — please help them — Give HOPE now!

Throughout Europe and the Middle East, tens of thousands of refugees are risking their lives to flee persecution, hunger, desperation and war.

As refugees find respite they will need food, supplies and hope — that’s where you come in.

With your partnership, we can help thousands of families when they need it most.

Visit give.convoyofhope.org/refugeecrisis to give HOPE today.