Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief, supply lines and outreaches to the poor and disaster-stricken in the United States and around the world. During a Convoy of Hope outreach, free groceries are distributed, job and health fairs are organized and activities for children are provided. The organization is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.
History
Convoy of Hope was founded in 1994 by Assemblies of God minister Hal Donaldson. The organization began as a network of church-sponsored citywide outreach events that featured grocery giveaways, job fairs, and Gospel presentations.
The inspiration for its founding came from Donaldson's childhood experience with tragedy and compassion ministry in action. On August 25, 1969, his parents, Harold and Betty Donaldson, were hit head-on by a drunk driver. Harold was killed; Betty survived but was immobile for some time, unable to work or cook. Their four children experienced first hand what it is like to go without many of life's basic necessities, like many families in the world today. The Donaldsons were more fortunate than others, however. People from local churches and the community provided them with food and shelter and gave them a sense of hope[1].
Statistics
In 2006, Convoy of Hope assisted nearly 4 million people in the United States and around the globe with food, clothing, medical aid, and other needed resources through outreaches and disaster response[2].
To date, Convoy of Hope has accomplished the following[3]:
- 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) distribution center
- Fleet of 18-wheeler semi-trucks
- Experienced logistics and program teams
- Ability to gather resources from across the nation
- Distributes food across America and around the world
- Conducts events in approximately 30 cities and 10 countries each year
- Partners with government, businesses and non-profit organizations to build community unity
- Distributed more than $100 million of food to needy families in the United States and Around the World
- Provided food and supplies to nearly 16 million people
- Placed shelters, water purification units and other supplies around the world
- Responded to disasters and crises in nearly 50 countries
- Mobilized more than 200,000 volunteers and over 5,000 organizations to offer assistance to families in need
See also
- Convoy of Hope is the official disaster relief partner of the General Council of the Assemblies of God USA and The Inspiration Network (INSP).
- Donaldson serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Today's Pentecostal Evangel, which is the official voice of the Assemblies of God and the largest Pentecostal magazine in the world.
- Donaldson is the author of 19 books, including: One Man’s Compassion (The Mark Buntain Story), Treasures in Heaven (The Huldah Buntain Story), The Vow, Pleasing God, Where is the Lost Ark?, Parenting, and more. His latest book is Midnight in the City in which he walks the streets of the major cities in America, interviewing drug dealers, runaways, prostitutes, gang members, the homeless and more.
External Links and Feeds
References
- ^ Convoy of Hope Website [1]
- ^ Convoy of Hope Website [2]
- ^ Convoy of Hope Website [3]