In Kenya’s northern desert region of Turkana, Convoy of Hope’s strategic intervention reflects its continental response.
As Convoy of Hope moves steadily closer to feeding 1 million children — and expands programs to serve millions of people in need — each person helped is a compassion priority.
Photography & Videography | Clayton Gilligan, Kirsten Jennings, Jason Ko, Andre Benedict Malabanan, Joe Mason, Simen Reinemo, Stephen Rippee, Dylan Stine & Esy White
Dr. Aaron Cole (Chair), Dr. Brad Trask (Vice Chair), Sherilynn Tounger (Secretary), Telvin Jeffries (Treasurer), Dominick Garcia (Executive Member), Dr. Mike Burnette, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Lindsay Jacobs, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Rich Nathan, Tom Rankin & Hal Donaldson (President)
Feedback | editor@convoyofhope.org
Website | convoyofhope.org
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Facebook | /convoyofhope
LinkedIn | /convoyofhope
Postmaster | Send address changes to: Hope Quarterly
1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802
On the Cover: Students in Turkana, Kenya, spend hours each day bringing water back to their communities. Photographer: Jason Ko
Some names and photos in this publication represent people who need to remain anonymous.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
75 Communities NEED OUR HELP
On a global scale, the latest statistics on poverty, hunger, natural disasters, and conflict are sobering. But, thanks to friends like you, Convoy of Hope is creating points of change within regions where massive needs exist.
The region in Africa featured in this issue is just one of many across the continent where children are being fed, women are being empowered, and lives are being saved. Thank you for providing the resources to help create a path to a better future for tens of thousands of families.
Some months ago, I visited the northern region of Kenya and saw firsthand the hunger crisis playing out in the lives of children and their mothers. Some women walked 8 miles to receive two bags of food and 2 liters of water.
I saw the weariness in their faces and regretted their long trek home. We met with the village elders and local church leaders. We promised to do more — and, since that time, we have. In fact, with your help, Convoy of Hope has doubled the size of our programs on the continent in the last few years. And, in 2026, we're endeavoring to expand to 75 new villages and communities in six countries.
Because of your friendship and generosity, we believe that is possible. Thank you for caring and giving so others can receive lasting hope.
Hal Donaldson President, Convoy of Hope
DEDICATION HELD FOR REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER EAST
On August 28, hundreds attended the dedication in Atlanta, Georgia, of Convoy of Hope’s third U.S. operations hub. The Regional Distribution Center East joins the Global Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, and the Regional Distribution Center West in Sacramento, California.
Opening the 125,000-square-foot facility creates a nationwide footprint for Convoy’s key initiatives. Just as the RDC West accelerated Convoy’s responses to major fires in Maui and Los Angeles, the RDC East means quicker interventions following any hurricanes or other disasters that impact the Gulf and East Coast.
As well, when Convoy’s Community Engagement projects address local
long-term needs, the RDCs result in quicker access to resources for towns and cities on the coasts.
Convoy President Hal Donaldson believes the new RDC will become a powerful source of hope. “Every can of soup and every box of cereal that leaves this distribution center and finds its way into the hands of a hungry child or family will carry with it a promise that tomorrow can be better than today.”
HURRICANE HELENE: ONE YEAR LATER
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene destroyed homes, cut off power, flooded roads, and left entire communities devastated. It hit hardest in Florida but worked its way as far as Tennessee.
Convoy of Hope was there from the beginning, distributing millions of pounds of relief supplies and joining with local partners and volunteers to restore hope.
That response continues. One year later, homes remain damaged, families are displaced, and many survivors need help. It’s because of support from friends like you that Convoy continues to bring long-term relief to affected families and communities.
Scan the QR code to connect with Convoy of Hope’s latest disaster responses.
CHILDREN’S FEEDING NURTURES DREAM OF MEDICAL CAREER
In a modest Roma neighborhood in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 17-year-old Lazar is quietly building a future full of hope and purpose. He dreams of becoming a pediatrician, a goal rooted in the painful memory of seeing his 2-year-old nephew hospitalized with pneumonia.
Lazar’s hopes took root and grew through his involvement in Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding initiative when he was younger. There, he found more than hot nourishing meals — he found a community of people who believed in him. Now, as he looks ahead to medical school, he comes back to Convoy’s feeding center to help younger children with their homework.
“There will be difficult challenges on the way to my dream,” Lazar says, “but I am determined not to give up.”
Scan the QR code to see how Convoy of Hope is feeding more than 639,000 children.
FOOD MANUFACTURING & PACKAGING CENTER UPDATE
More than 13 million children in the U.S. do not have access to an adequate quantity or quality of food. Meanwhile, nonprofits are struggling to find and procure food for their food pantries.
Convoy of Hope’s Food Manufacturing & Packaging Center will produce millions of meals for children in the U.S. and those in Convoy’s feeding programs around the world.
The center is close to exterior completion, and 2026 will see the arrival of large-scale equipment designed to package millions of meals.
HOPE AFRICA
How Convoy of Hope is confronting
HOPE AFRICA for the world's greatest hunger crisis
By Scott Harrup
Lake Turkana is the world’s largest permanent lake in a desert, spreading across nearly 2,500 square miles in northern Kenya; its northern tip edges into Ethiopia. This is not drinking water. Local children must walk miles
to gather water from rivers and streams before it flows into the lake and becomes too filled with pollution and minerals to drink.
As drought has impacted the region since 2020, food insecurity has grown.
“The crisis has reached critical levels,” says Tom McLane, African regional leader for Convoy of Hope’s International Program. “More than 500,000 people in Turkana County are dealing with a lack of food, widespread malnutrition, and the devastation of their livestock and agriculture.”
But there is a better future on the horizon for this region. Convoy of Hope developed a pilot program in 2024 that has quickly expanded to feed more than 6,000 children each school day in 13 schools, offer mentoring to more than 3,200 girls as they pursue positive futures, train 114 women in entrepreneurial skills, and assist 35 area farmers in expanding their harvests.
Those meals make an enormous difference in child development. The improved nutrition dramatically increases the ability to concentrate and learn.
“Class attendance is up,” says Martin Ekomwa, a principal at one of the schools. “The children want to come to school.
These are students with the potential to become teachers, businesspeople, and doctors.”
Turkana County powerfully reflects similar outcomes in communities across Africa. Omar Harouna, a West African nutritionist for Convoy, thinks of one little girl who must walk seven miles to school. He is grateful for the renewed energy her school meals now provide for that journey.
“An important part of what we do is offer training in malnutrition awareness in the schools,” Omar says. “We want our intervention to be longer lasting than just the meals.”
Scan the QR code to learn more about Convoy’s work in West Africa.
Scan the QR code to learn about Convoy’s work in one of Kenya’s most impoverished communities.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Convoy’s work in Madagascar.
(See the feature on page 6.)
Edgar Oswego, nutritionist for Convoy’s Kenya program, has an ambitious goal for his homeland.
“There are currently some 1 million malnourished children across Kenya,” he says. “We are working toward the goal of seeing 100,000 of them receive regular, nutritious meals.”
Once that goal is reached, Edgar believes, resources will be in place to nourish more of the remaining 900,000.
Tiana Anjarasoa, a nutritionist in Madagascar, remembers one little girl who was overjoyed to receive an egg in her Convoy meal. “She had never had a whole egg for herself,” Tiana says. “She refused to eat it at school but instead carried it home to share with her little brother.”
While Convoy’s work in Africa has grown, the mission is far from finished. With added trucks, warehouses, and product, Convoy expects to feed 400,000 children across the continent every school day by 2030. As well,
continued on p. 12
114,800 women and girls will be involved in empowerment programs each year, and 26,500 farmers will be trained annually for increased harvests.
The goal is to provide lasting hope and improvement. Once that goal is achieved and a community becomes a selfsustaining point of hope, Convoy moves on to other communities in desperate need.
“Convoy is helping us think outside the box,” says Principal Ekomwa in Turkana County.
“We are looking beyond their provision of food to what else we can do.”
Thanks to Convoy’s dedicated teams and faithful friends, thriving communities across Africa are sharing kindness and renewed hope with others in need around them.
— Principal Martin Ekomwa
A Taste of Africa
Convoy of Hope’s commitment to schoolchildren in Africa involves consistent qualitycontrol standards.
“Children aren’t just fed, but we ensure they get enough calories; they get a balance of carbs, fat, micronutrients, and protein,” says Melanie Morgan, community health nutritionist at Convoy’s Global Headquarters.
In some communities, food packs — rice fortified with soy protein — are distributed regionally, and local nutritionists add nearby vegetables and other ingredients to contextualize it.
Convoy invited our nutritionists across Africa to share their favorite recipes they use to ensure children receive the nutrition they need. Convoy of Hope is making these recipes available to you.
When conflict devastates a community, poverty and hunger ratchet upward.
More than 14 million people in Sudan have been forced to flee their homes since civil conflict broke out in April 2023 — today, it’s become one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
Responding TO CRISIS
Since 2023, Convoy of Hope has served more than 5 million meals to refugee communities, providing key nutrition to the most vulnerable. Most people who arrive at camp have walked for days to find security and food. Convoy’s meals are helping them find a path to health and hope.
Scan the QR code to get your digital copy of Convoy of Hope’s Taste of Africa cookbook.
The
Scan the QR code to experience the search for water in Africa.
NICK Wiersma
Nick Wiersma is senior vice president for Convoy of Hope’s U.S. Program. Nick began serving at Convoy in 2008, spending his first 14 years on the Disaster Services team before spearheading community engagement across the United States.
HQ: What drives Convoy’s U.S. efforts?
Nick: Convoy is distinctive in its intention and strategy to invest in people. As we build partner relationships for the long haul, we connect directly with people in their moment of need. We never want to treat a training, a Community Event, or disaster response as a one-off.
HQ: What are some examples of that approach?
Nick: A big move forward has been establishing regional distribution centers and staying close to key relationships.
Just as we have done in Springfield, Missouri, for years, our goal now in Sacramento and Atlanta is to engage with local church and business partners and other organizations long term to assess community needs together and establish strategies to address them.
For example, we are still helping communities in the six states impacted by the 2024 hurricane season. We’re still involved in California where fires were devastating this year and in North Carolina and Texas following the floods. The regional distribution centers in Atlanta and Sacramento will help us continue to serve more effectively.
HQ: How does an organization like Convoy earn a reputation?
Nick: Compassion work is cumulative — especially when it comes to your reputation, your experience, and the relationships you build. Our Convoy team is committed to consistency and longevity in our relationships with churches, other organizations, and the people we have worked with for many years. They, in turn, have grown their compassion footprint in their communities, meaning even more people are being helped.
HQ: You see a multiplying factor as Convoy continues to serve.
Nick: Absolutely. We constantly ask churches and other local partners, “How can we help you reach your community?” We want to see local compassion-hearted groups and businesses flourish. We
are very grassroots in connecting with folks on-site who have a passion to help their neighbors, and we’re training and equipping them to be even more effective right where they are.
HQ: What is a personal need your team most often encounters?
Nick: We have a driving passion to help people not do life alone. Not just the single mom, but the local organization that is trying to make a difference in the lives around them. If there is one characteristic of post-pandemic-impacted world, it’s a widespread feeling of isolation. Science has found that the human brain recognizes hunger and loneliness in the same portion of the midbrain. We want people to feel seen and to experience a growing hope that tomorrow can be better than today.
HQ: What does Convoy’s U.S. Program strategy look like as we head into 2026?
Nick: We live in a constant state of learning. How we function as an organization and address needs is totally different now than how we did it years ago. While keeping our output high, we will continue to invest in key relationships, learn to address people’s changing needs, and maximize time and every dollar we spend. It’s the multiplying factor again. We love to watch long-standing relationships and influence have a ripple effect. Every year, more partners are helping their communities, and more people are receiving help. After 31 years of compassion work, we are still learning and still gaining momentum.
ONE in a
Each person matters wherever Convoy of Hope serves
“W
e need help here,” the man pleaded with an Associated Press reporter. His village in eastern Afghanistan lay in ruins after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake killed some 800 people in the region.
Aftershocks would follow the initial August 31 event, with a 6.2 magnitude quake hitting on September 4. By then, more than 2,200 people had lost their lives. With more than 5,000 homes destroyed in 49 villages, some 40,000 people lacked food and shelter.
Convoy of Hope was working in Afghanistan within days of the first tremor,
distributing food packs to hundreds of families in need. Since then, Convoy’s response has grown.
This is a tried-and-true part of Convoy’s mission. Twenty years ago, Convoy teams served communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Since then, battleworn communities in Ukraine; droughts in Africa; yearly hurricanes along the U.S. Gulf Coast; and multiple tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes have become compassion priorities. Convoy has strategically responded to more than 870 major crises to date.
From one disaster to the next, millions of people recovered a sense of hope as Convoy team members and volunteers served them a hot meal, wrapped a warm blanket around a shivering shoulder, offered a bottle of purified water, or provided essential hygiene supplies.
Scan the QR code to take an in-depth look at Convoy’s response in Ukraine.
Convoy’s expertise goes beyond turning chaos into calm. Year-round, thanks to friends like you, Convoy responds to consistent needs with solutions that redirect destinies. For example, more than 639,000 children receive a nutritious meal every school day. Each one is steadily experiencing a life shift.
Lazar was 10 years old when he joined a Children’s Feeding program at a church in Bulgaria. This was a turning point, providing him with the consistent support needed to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. Now, Lazar is preparing to enter a medical university. (See Convoy News, page 7.)
Alice Rahelimalala directs Convoy of Hope in Madagascar, where 40% of the children are malnourished. “We’re not just bringing food to communities,” Alice says of the 7,000-plus children receiving meals. “We’re bringing hope.”
Mangale, a farmer in Nepal, was losing hope as he fell into debt from poor harvests. He jumped at the chance to be trained through Convoy’s Agriculture initiative at a local church.
A cook in a Convoy feeding center in Europe prepares a nutritious meal.
“Now I am doing well. My family is also doing well,” Mangale says. “I sent 345 crates of tomatoes to the main market and sold 40 kilos of ghost peppers.”
Five friends were trained in Convoy’s Women’s Empowerment program at a church in Nicaragua. Andria, Ana, Nohemi, Belkis, and another Ana are now working together to farm corn. They are feeding their families as well as local children in a Convoy feeding program.
“As a group, we must share what we have learned with other women so that they, too, can have their own garden where they can grow some vegetables,” the friends insist.
Similar stories of women learning entrepreneurial skills through Convoy’s Women’s Empowerment program come to life thousands of times a year.
Scan the QR code to learn more about one woman’s growing business in Kenya.
One of Convoy’s earliest initiatives was holding Community Events in neighborhoods across the United States. Guests of Honor received groceries, family photos, haircuts, job counseling, health services, and more. (Those outreaches continue across the U.S. each year.)
Convoy has added training seminars alongside those events so nonprofits with a heart for their community can learn best
practices for creating lasting change. (See the interview with Nick Wiersma on page 16.) In 2024, Convoy served more than 1.2 million people in U.S. towns large and small.
Convoy of Hope has now served more than 350 million people around the world, providing resources to meet an array of needs. But no matter how high that number climbs, one truth remains constant — each person matters.
A woman smiles after receiving menstrual hygiene resources from Convoy of Hope.
Thank
YOU!
Convoy of Hope has a long-term presence in 40 program nations and responds to disasters and other critical needs in dozens more. Around the world, lives are being changed thanks to the many faithful friends who support Convoy’s initiatives.
Nicaragua
Andria is grateful for the change Women’s Empowerment has made in her life, helping her establish a business selling chickens. “I have many future plans for the business, including turning it into a farm,” she says.
Colombia
In a region suffering from unrest, Gisela’s husband was seriously injured by a landmine. But thanks to Convoy’s agriculture experts, Gisela has learned to farm and support their family.
Honduras
Sonia is 5 years old, and Convoy’s local feeding program has allowed her to gain weight and strength after suffering from malnutrition. Her mother says she now thrives at school.
United States
Amanda was a career firefighter for 19 years but had to take a medical retirement. When she felt she had lost direction in her life, she joined a Convoy Field Team to Guatemala and participated in a project helping a village there. “I now know this is my calling to get out there and to help people,” she says.
West Africa
In West Africa, Pastor Adama led a tiny church of just four parishioners. When Convoy drilled a well for the church, they shared the water with their community. Their generosity has opened doors, and they are now working with Convoy to develop a school feeding program.
Nicaragua
Colombia
Tanzania
Juma, 11, has a passion for soccer. But hard times at home meant he often came to school without breakfast. That has changed. “Macaroni is my favorite food Convoy provides,” he says. “I have hope,” he says, “and I can focus on my soccer games.”
TOGO
Koffi wants to excel in science and technology in high school. But his father left their family and his mother struggles to support them. He is grateful for the food Convoy provides at his school. “I love the food Convoy provides,” he says.
Liudmila, 73, is thrilled her grandchildren receive meals through Convoy’s local program. And, with help through Convoy’s Women’s Empowerment initiative, she has planted a garden that supplements her own food needs.
With few employment opportunities in his village, Sunar turned to foreign employment to support his family. But Convoy’s Agriculture program helped him establish a business in his village growing tomatoes and raising goats. Now, he can be near his family. “Thank you, Convoy of Hope, for providing the opportunity to work in my own village and earn a good income!” he says.
tANZANIA
TOGO
MOLDOVA
Moldova
Nepal
Nepal
DISASTER SERVICES
Ukrainian war refugees, East African communities on the edge of famine, and U.S. hurricane survivors all have received critical help through Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team. Consistently among the first to respond to crises, Convoy’s highly trained team members and volunteers help hurting people get back on their feet. Convoy is committed to helping as much as possible for as long as possible in the most challenging environments.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
When a woman generates an income, it not only benefits her — the entire community profits. Through training and loving support, Convoy equips women to start and successfully operate their own businesses. Convoy encourages women and girls around the world to realize their value and reach their potential. This gives them the opportunity to positively impact the lives of their families and their communities.
Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program is equipping vulnerable farmers and families with skills, tools, and seeds to increase life-sustaining crops. Of the meals harvested each year, a portion is used to support Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program. Convoy’s agriculture specialists teach long-term sustainable practices that help break the cycle of poverty and promote communitywide food security.
CHILDREN’S FEEDING
Approximately half of all deaths of children under age 5 can be linked to undernutrition. A nutritious meal coupled with clean drinking water opens doors to better health and consistent physical and mental development. Convoy of Hope provides regular, nutritious meals in schools around the world. Now, more than 639,000 children are discovering renewed hope.
U.S. PROGRAM
Poverty and hunger have gained a devastating edge in urban neighborhoods and rural communities alike. Through U.S. Program, Convoy resources, empowers, and partners with local leaders and churches through training, mentoring, and coaching. Convoy believes that increased presence and partnership will help strengthen and enrich entire cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Today’s generation wants to change our world. Convoy of Hope invests in students through partnerships with colleges and universities, internships, and compassion experiences.
Every Student Engaged in Compassion
By Cheryl Horne
A KINDNESS Strategic
fter retiring, Marvin and Peggy didn’t slow down. They volunteered to help small-business owners write plans and get started. They supported a workshop for people with disabilities and helped launch a local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Building their own home became another memorable achievement.
Through it all was a steady journey of generosity.
“We realized we had enough money to give at a generous rate,” Peggy says. Marvin researched charities to ensure their gifts made an impact.
“We’re especially interested in education,” Peggy says. “And we’re drawn to programs that empower women and support agriculture. Women take charge and create change. It’s inspiring to see them lift their communities.”
Marvin adds, “Teaching someone to farm — even with just a shovel — means they can feed themselves. That’s sustainability.” Marvin grew up on a farm.
When asked what giving means to them, Peggy is clear: “It means we’re helping people who need the help, who can use it and will use it.”
Marvin and Peggy have been married for 63 years. They hope to pass on values of compassion and generosity to their children.
“I want them to be more charitable and more concerned about helping others,” Peggy says.
Marvin adds, “Do the best with what you’ve been given. Don’t live a self-centered life. Look around and help where you can.”
“We like what Convoy of Hope does,” Peggy says. “We’re proud to be part of the Convoy family.”
“If you’re planning to give,” Marvin says, “ask yourself who will use your money most effectively. Convoy’s goal is always to help people. That’s what keeps us involved.”
P: (417) 823-8998
F: (417) 823-8244 John Doe Family
Maximize your year-end giving to feed children, empower women, respond to disasters, and much more!
Because of friends like you, children are being fed, women are being empowered, and disaster survivors know they are not alone. Thank you for helping families move from survival to sustainability.
As you thoughtfully consider your year-end giving, here are ways to maximize your impact:
• IRA Gifts (age 70½+): Give up to $108,000 directly from your traditional IRA without adding to your 2025 taxable income. This may count toward your required minimum distribution (age 73+).
• Non-Cash Assets: Donate stocks, bonds, or real estate held for 12+ months. You may avoid capital gains taxes, receive a charitable income tax deduction, and provide greater impact to hurting people in need.
• DAF Gifts: Distribute funds from your Donor-Advised Fund already set aside for charity. Now, your generosity brings hope where it’s needed most.
• Cash Gifts: If dated and postmarked by December 31, gifts apply to 2025 taxes. And for a limited time, the impact of your gift will go twice as far — up to $1 million through the Delivering Hope Challenge.
Scan the QR code for more information on any of these or other planned giving options. You can also call (417) 447-3693 or email foundation@convoyofhope.org. Thank you!
