Save the Date for Midwest Mission Iowa’s Grand Opening!

God’s plan is always greater than our plan, we just have to follow along. 

Back in November 2022, Midwest Mission’s board of directors and staff began to plan what it would look like to have a second location in Iowa. Danille Curtis had been our Iowa Coordinator for a couple of years, and she was excited to continue to grow the ministry opportunities available in Iowa. She was holding several volunteer days a month at Jefferson First United Methodist Church, and was seeing the excitement and the potential in the Jefferson community. With this information, the board of directors had agreed to a feasibility study that would be discussed in May 2023. 

But, God had different plans. 

Instead of a feasibility study being completed, by May 2023, what we can only determine was that the Holy Spirit had made a path for us to jump start an Iowa location. We had found a building that was perfect for warehouse, volunteer, and gift shop space, volunteers to assist, and a roar of excitement from anyone who caught wind of the plans. We listened to the Spirit’s direction, forced our foot off of the brake, and let God lead us. 

And so, Midwest Mission Iowa became a reality. This location in Jefferson, Iowa is much like the Illinois location, offering volunteer shifts, accepting donations, and having a gift shop. Our hope is that more people are able to volunteer at Midwest Mission, and experience the joy that comes from serving.

On Saturday, June 17th, we are hosting the Grand Opening of Midwest Mission Iowa!

You are invited to the open house from 10 am -  2 pm. You will have the opportunity to learn about volunteering at this location, learn about the Loom Project, and shop at Midwest Mission Gifts, a Fair Trade gift shop.

We will also be hosting a Rice Meal Pack during the Grand Opening! We’d love to know if you are coming. Email iowa@midwestmission.org to let us know.

We are so excited to see how God will continue to use this ministry for the glory of His Kingdom. God has blessed and grown Midwest Mission in abundant ways, and our mission remains: bringing the hearts and hands of God's people together to transform resources into humanitarian relief. 

Stay up to date about the Iowa location by following the Midwest Mission Iowa Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/midwestmissioniowa 

Being a volunteer for Midwest Mission is not limited to the boundaries of the campus. Being a volunteer for Midwest Mission means being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever you are  — serving local organizations, global organizations, and individuals alike. We love to see the work you are doing amongst friends and loved ones while at home. 

M&M’s (Mavens and Mavericks) of Kewanee First United Methodist Church is a great example of this. They meet weekly to make handmade items for nursing homes and nonprofits. Locally, they have made holiday gifts for their shut-ins, including a handmade gift and tasty treat that they personally deliver. They passed out hand-sewn fabric bookmarks with a sweet message to mothers in their congregation. Shirt-savers and walker and wheelchair bags have been donated to local nursing homes, shut-ins, and Abilities Plus which serves special needs adults. They see needs in their communities and organizations and work to meet them.

Recently, the project for the M&M’s group was Midwest Mission Layette Kits. Ten of their active members completed 15 Layette Kits, each containing six cloth diapers, two gowns or sleepers, two onesies or undershirts, two infant washcloths, six diaper pins, one sweater or jacket, and two receiving blankets. They plan to personally deliver the kits to Midwest Mission in the near future.

Wherever you are, whatever your skills may be, you can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Thank you, M&M’s, for sharing your story with us. We’d love to hear what you are working on at home. Email stories@midwestmission.org with your stories and pictures.

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers

Projects completed

• 860 Student Kits
• 192 Home Care Kits
• 960 UMCOR Menstrual Hygiene Kits
• 80 Personal Dignity Kits

Other work done

• Bike repair
• Cleaning
• Sewing machines repaired
• Counting into inventory
• Painting
• Desks - built and polyurethaned
• Stuffing mailers



Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!



Ready to Get Involved?

Volunteer at Midwest Mission

Dates are available in 2023, 2024, and 2025

Need a Saturday option for team volunteering

or assistance in booking?

Contact Pat Wright at pat@midwestmission.org

or 217-697-4063

Click below to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.

Volunteer Reservation Calendar



2025 Volunteer Calendar is now open for dorm reservations!

Go to our Reservation Calendar, log in, reserve your rooms, and submit payment for your Non-refundable Reservation Fee via credit card or electronic check. We will email you the Access Code to reserve Volunteer Shifts for your team. You must complete this step for your team to volunteer at Midwest Mission.

For local teams and individuals: Volunteer Shifts will only be available 3 months ahead of time. Beginning October 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for January of 2024.

Thank you for your patience as we try to improve the reservation experience for both local teams and those staying in the dorm.

Chuck and Karen Porter

Brighton, IL

Deb and Howard Orndorff

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Ogden Friendship House UMC

Manhattan, KS

Osceola UMC

Osceola, WI

Wesley and Garver Brick UMC

Decatur, IL

Christ UMC

Algonquin, IL