Dr. Aaron Cole (Chair), Court Durkalski (Vice Chair), Telvin Jeffries (Secretary), Dr. Brad Trask (Treasurer), Dominick Garcia (Executive Member), Dr. Mike Burnette, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Lindsay Jacobs, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Rich Nathan, Tom Rankin, Sherilynn Tounger & Hal Donaldson (President)
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from Convoy of Hope. Photographer: Clayton Gilligan
WE’RE JUST GETTING Started
Since 1994, Convoy of Hope has been growing its mission to serve the poor and hungry around the world. This year, we gratefully celebrated some key milestones — feeding more than 571,000 children every school day, cresting $2.5 billion in food and supplies distributed, serving more than 250 million people.
Throughout that journey, countless friends like you have made it possible to bring another meal to a hungry child, empower another woman to start her own business, train another farmer to
increase a harvest, and show up in the aftermath of another disaster.
Thank you! Because of your faithful support, the future of communities is growing brighter. Convoy of Hope is just getting started. The years ahead are marked with strategic plans designed to expand our ability to help people and bring them hope. Because of you, lives will be forever changed.
God bless you.
Hal Donaldson President, Convoy of Hope
CONVOY OF HOPE RESPONDS TO 2024 HURRICANE SEASON
Although record activity was predicted for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the first named storm, Alberto, never reached hurricane status. But the second storm, Hurricane Beryl, broke two records — becoming the earliest Category 4 storm on June 30 and the earliest Category 5 on July 1.
Convoy of Hope, with an established history of hurricane response going back to 1998, tracked Beryl and quickly began meeting the needs of communities in its path. Beryl’s first effects were felt in the Caribbean, where Convoy served more than 43,000 meals and distributed family food kits, hygiene kits, water filters, solar lamps, and generators.
When Beryl made landfall in Texas on July 8, it had weakened to a Category 1 but still unleashed widespread damage.
In the following weeks, Convoy served 66,118 people across 18 communities, distributing more than 1.2 million pounds of resources.
Tropical Storm Chris had a very short lifespan over Mexico, but Tropical Storm Debby strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall in Florida on August 5 and moving up the East Coast. Convoy again responded to the resulting heavy rain and flooding, serving thousands of families in Florida and North Carolina.
Although Hurricane Ernesto stayed largely at sea in late August, its heavy winds caused power outages and crop damage in the Caribbean and its riptides were responsible for three deaths on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.
Category 2 Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana on September 11. Convoy was in the region two days later distributing nearly 100 tons of resources to more than 10,300 people in five communities. For Convoy, this was an opportunity to again serve an area previously impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Tropical Storm Gordon had a weeklong lifespan in September, only achieved 45 mph winds, and curved across the central Atlantic
with no land contact. Gordon proved to be the lull before a truly massive storm.
On September 26, Category 4 Hurricane Helene became the strongest recorded hurricane to strike Florida’s Big Bend region. It was the deadliest hurricane since 2005’s Katrina, with more than 167 deaths recorded by October 2, and hundreds still missing.
The greatest portion of Helene’s damage came after it weakened to a tropical storm farther inland. The weather system brought record rainfall and devastating floods across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. More than 40 trillion gallons of rain drenched the Southeast, equivalent to 619 days of constant water flow over Niagara Falls.
Days before Helene’s landfall, Convoy was preparing its response. On September 26, Convoy trucks, response vehicles, and disaster response personnel headed to Florida. By September 28, Convoy was in position preparing to distribute relief supplies in Perry, Florida, just 10 miles from Helene’s central landfall.
Convoy’s response in Perry soon expanded, with additional resources from the World
Distribution Center sent to the Tampa Bay area; Augusta, Georgia; and Morganton, North Carolina. By October 9, Convoy had served more than 123,000 survivors in 44 communities across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. More than 100 tractor-trailer loads had brought more than 2.3 million pounds of needed resources.
Hurricane Isaac, Tropical Storm Joyce, and Hurricane Kirk all overlapped Helene’s longterm impact but remained in the Atlantic without causing damage. Hurricane Leslie also remained at sea.
Convoy of Hope’s disaster team tracked developing storm systems as long-term response to Helene continued. Hurricane Milton developed in the Gulf of Mexico and grew to a Category 5 storm on October 7. Milton impacted Florida on October 9 as a Category 3 major hurricane and spawned more than 100 tornados across the state. Convoy developed an overlapping response to Milton with its ongoing response to Helene.
“Convoy of Hope is committed to staying in the region providing long-term recovery for months to come,” said President Hal Donaldson.
Scan here to learn more about the Beryl, Debby, and Helene responses.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY IN MATHARE VALLEY
Robert lives in Mathare Valley, Kenya — a place where hope is difficult to find. Mathare is one of the most dangerous places in all of Kenya. Residents have little access to clean water, food, or medicine. Disease spreads rapidly.
Robert’s parents own a liquor store, which doubles as their home.
“There was no peace in our home for a long time,” Robert said. “It was devastating and stressful.”
But Robert is breaking the cycle. Every school day, he receives food from Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program. Additionally, he is mentored, learning about leadership, career opportunities, and how to give back in his community.
“Convoy of Hope has brought hope into my life,” Robert said.
LARGER GARDENS MEAN PRODUCE FOR STUDENTS
José is the assistant director of his children’s school in Nicaragua, and nothing brings him more fulfillment than giving to the people he cares about most. However, living with a low income restricted his ability to be generous.
When Convoy of Hope brought Agriculture training to his village, José learned new, practical techniques for growing produce. He planted a successful garden at his school.
“I have increased my knowledge about garden management,” José said. He learned and implemented more efficient methods, like installing a low-pressure irrigation system for the dry season. “It fills us with pride, to have a school garden that produces,” he said.
SUMMER OF SERVICE CONNECTS WITH 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE
CONVOY CELEBRATES TRUCKING LEGACY AT NATIONAL EVENT
Convoy had the privilege of being a part of the National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 20 through 23, serving and celebrating alongside 400 of the nation’s top drivers and their families.
“It’s like the Super Bowl of the trucking world,” said Convoy’s Transportation Safety & Compliance Manager Mike Coble.
Convoy of Hope has been working across the U.S. this summer, serving 1.2 million people through its various branches (Community Events, Rural Initiatives, Community Care, and Field Teams). With the help of local churches and community groups, more than 15.5 million pounds of product was distributed.
Convoy’s Community Engagement programming goes well beyond a daylong event. The long-term goal is always lasting change.
“We’re looking for the champions of communities who want to partner with Convoy of Hope to make a lasting impact,” said Convoy’s Jason Bachman.
Scan here to learn how your organization can partner with Convoy of Hope.
Scott Dewey, manager of safety and compliance for FedEx, extended the invitation for Convoy to be there. He said it was a highlight of his career while at NTDC to see Convoy represented.
“It brought a lot of awareness to who Convoy of Hope is when people saw that beautiful truck. I love what they are doing, especially in feeding people. The world needs people like Convoy of Hope not only providing food and water, but showing compassion in their darkest moments.”
GOATS, BOATS, SHOES, BLANKETS, FOOD, AND MORE
By Scott Harrup
"GOATS ARE WHY WE THOUGHT
WE CAME HERE..."
... pro golfer Bubba Watson said as he and RangeGoats teammate Matthew Wolff toured Convoy of Hope’s Global Headquarters and World Distribution Center. “But goats are a small, small piece of what really goes on.”
Bubba, Matthew, and their teammates Peter Uihlein and Thomas Pieters contribute to Convoy’s initiatives against poverty and hunger by helping underwrite the cost of goats given to families in need. But Convoy’s intervention isn’t limited to one species.
When an earthquake destroyed tens of thousands of homes in Morocco last year, Convoy procured donkeys and sheep to help replenish lost livestock.
Convoy looks for the most effective resources to meet a specific community’s needs. When Category 5 Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas in 2019, not only did local fishermen lose their homes but the outboard motors for their boats were destroyed in the storm surge. Convoy soon had those boats up and running with new motors.
continued on p. 12
Scan the QR code to learn more about the Bahamas response.
Sometimes the gift of hope can be as simple as a pair of shoes. When a Convoy leadership team visited a mountain village in Afghanistan during the early years of conflict following 9/11, they saw barefoot children walking through the gathering snow.
“Their feet and faces were purple with cold. Some were shaking terribly,” remembered Convoy President Hal Donaldson. The team quickly developed a plan to truck in shoes and food.
The gift of children’s shoes has been multiplied through the years at Convoy’s resource distributions across the U.S. and around the world.
“I’m glad I got new shoes since mine are falling apart,” said a child on her way out of a Chicago event with her mom.
Earlier this year, Soles4Souls donated more than 16,000 pairs of shoes to distribute in Japan after a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck western Japan on New Year’s Day.
In Japanese culture, there is an expectation of giving something in return when you are given a gift. People were amazed that Convoy didn’t expect anything in return for the shoes. Through the donation, Convoy was able to show devastated people radical compassion.
As fall shifts into winter, many of us pull a treasured quilt or favorite blanket off the back of the couch and settle in with a TV show or current book.
It Starts With One
Monthly gifts allow Convoy of Hope to make a lasting difference. When you visit convoyofhope.org/one you have the opportunity to change a child’s long-term nutritional outlook for only $10 a month. A donation of $25, $30, or $40 connects with a strategic intervention in someone’s life or in a family.
For refugees and disaster survivors living without heat in their homes or shelters, a blanket is essential for survival. Convoy’s blankets offer hope to families in need.
For example, Convoy has given more than 29,000 blankets to families fleeing the violence in Ukraine during the past two years. Some 10 tons of blankets were strategically distributed among survivors following a series of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February 2023.
The gift of a goat, a blanket, or a pair of shoes truly does make a difference.
Gifts of Hope
The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide offers an array of creative gift interactions with all of Convoy of Hope’s initiatives. If you want to connect your gift giving with opportunities to make a difference for communities in need, this guide is the perfect resource. Browse gifts, choose items, and make an impact!
Scan here to learn more.
A boat motor to a fisherman after a hurricane, a well for an African village, a tractor-trailer filled with food and supplies for a town after a flood, or equipment for women to start their own businesses gives people hope.
Explore convoy.org/catalog and discover how gifts of all sizes can take your compassion to a whole new level. At Convoy of Hope, each act of kindness goes hand in hand with thousands of others to change everything for men, women, and children around the world.
Scan here to learn more about the Convoy of Hope Gift Catalog.
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 up to 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. All contributions to Convoy of Hope are tax deductible.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON FILE WITH YOUR STATE REGULATOR IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE STATE AS EXPLAINED AT THE LINK BELOW. THIS INFORMATION MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM CONVOY OF HOPE BY WRITTEN REQUEST TO 1 CONVOY DRIVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802 OR BY CALLING (417) 823-8998. PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY ANY STATE. For state-specific contact information, please visit convoyofhope.org/disclosures.
MAKE A DONATION
donate by credit card or PayPal, visit convoy.org/hq36 or scan
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN PROGRAM COUNTRIES
Guatemala: In 2019, Children’s Feeding, Women’s Empowerment, and Agriculture launched. By 2023, 8,000 children were receiving meals at 67 program centers, 234 women were studying business principles and family health, and 600 farmers and gardeners were expanding their yields.
El Salvador: Convoy of Hope began work here in 1998 following Hurricane Mitch. Convoy’s very first Children’s Feeding initiative began here in 2007 and now serves more than 79,000 children. In 2011, Women’s Empowerment and Agriculture projects started, growing to 577 and 5,185 participants, respectively, last year.
Honduras: Since 1998, Convoy of Hope’s humanitarian aid has been making a difference in Honduras. Children’s Feeding began here in 2011. In 2023, more than 53,000 children received meals each day at school, 6,579 participants benefited from agricultural training, and 868 women and girls were empowered.
Dominican Republic: In 2022, Children’s Feeding launched. Already, more than 1,500 children in 28 school program centers are receiving regular nutritious meals. Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment programs are growing, and Agriculture began in 2023 with 75 participants.
Haiti: Serving this island nation since 2006, Convoy’s work rapidly expanded following a 2010 earthquake. In 2023, more than 131,000 children received nutritious meals at 592 program centers, 2,458 farmers and gardeners participated in training, and 15,460 women and girls were empowered.
Nicaragua: Another nation where Convoy intervened in 1998 after Hurricane Mitch, Nicaragua is now home to 477 program centers that provide meals for 75,683 children. In 2023, more than 1,100 women and girls were empowered and more than 4,100 Agriculture participants studied best practices for harvest expansion.
Convoy of Hope is at work across the U.S. and around the world.
Central America is home to long-established Convoy of Hope programs that continue to thrive and expand.
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 staff 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.
AGRICULTURE
Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program is equipping vulnerable farmers and families with skills, tools, and seeds to increase lifesustaining crops. Of the tens of thousands of meals harvested each year, a portion is used to support Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program. Convoy’s agriculture specialists teach longterm sustainable practices that help break the cycle of poverty and promote communitywide food security.
Today’s generation wants to change our world. Convoy of Hope Education invests in students through partnerships with colleges and universities, internships, and compassion experiences.
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 571,000 children are discovering renewed hope.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has worked with civic organizations, churches, businesses, and government agencies to create Community Events that bring help and hope to thousands in need. Each Guest of Honor receives needed resources and services, all free of charge. Convoy’s team works with dedicated local volunteers to deliver groceries, health services, family portraits, career services, children’s shoes, and much more.
RURAL INITIATIVES
Convoy of Hope reaches people exactly where they are. Poverty and hunger have gained a devastating edge in rural communities. By partnering with local churches to offer resources, training, mentoring, and coaching, Convoy of Hope helps people effectively discover and implement solutions to the issues in their local context. Convoy believes increased presence and partnership with local leaders helps strengthen and enrich entire neighborhoods and towns.
A NEW DAY IN NEPAL
CONVOY OF HOPE IS BRINGING RESTORATION OUT OF RUBBLE
By Nick Mills
AFTER 45 HOURS OF TRAVEL ACROSS 11 TIME ZONES ...
... our team finally touched down in Kathmandu, Nepal, eager to see the impact Convoy of Hope has had here. Our mission over the next week: to capture the vibrant stories of those transformed by Convoy’s programs, which have been a lifeline since the devastating 2015 earthquake that claimed more than 9,000 lives.
As dawn broke, we left behind Kathmandu’s bustling, dust-choked streets and embarked on a three-hour journey into the heart of the mountains. The road snaked its way up through rocky paths, barely wide enough for our vehicle.
With each turn, the landscape shifted from urban sprawl to rugged wilderness, revealing a breathtaking panorama of verdant hills and ancient terraced fields.
Our destination was Petku, a village nestled in this remote beauty, where Convoy has been fostering change for the past four years.
Here, amid a backdrop of lush green hills and cascading waterfalls, we spent several days immersing ourselves in the daily lives of the villagers. The air was alive with the scent of fresh earth and the distant hum of farm animals, painting a vivid picture of rural serenity.
A Look Back
On April 25, 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing widespread destruction and tragedy. The quake, centered near the capital city of Kathmandu, resulted in the loss of over 9,000 lives and left more than 23,000 people injured. The disaster flattened entire neighborhoods, damaged historical sites, and triggered avalanches in the Himalayas, exacerbating the devastation.
In response to this catastrophic event, Convoy of Hope launched an immediate emergency feeding program. We provided crucial support by delivering food and shelter to over 42,000 survivors across Nepal. This initial relief effort addressed the immediate needs of those affected and laid the foundation for long-term recovery and rebuilding in the earthquake-stricken regions.
continued from p. 21
One village success story we heard was about Durga, a local farmer who returned to Petku inspired by Convoy’s training. In the shadow of towering mountains, Durga’s farm now thrives. “The training taught me how to grow new crops,” he said with a proud smile. “I now manage seven high tunnels, allowing me to cultivate year-round. My farm supports my family, generates income, and has built up savings.” His fields, a patchwork of vibrant greens and rich browns, tell a story of resilience and renewal.
Our journey continued along rugged, rocky paths to the village of Samari, where Convoy’s efforts have taken root over nearly six years. The village is on the cusp of self-sustainability, with our visit offering a glimpse into its thriving Children’s Feeding programs.
Among the smiling faces was Nisha, a 15-year-old with dreams of becoming a lawyer. “Thanks to the program, all students are well-fed, which helps us stay in school and fuels our learning,” she shared, her eyes bright with hope.
The school, once only a modest building, now boasts a 99% attendance rate, supported by local
F.A.I.T.H. (Food Always In The Home) gardens — a direct result of Convoy’s agricultural training. The gardens, nestled around homes like hidden oases, contribute to a vibrant community effort towards self-reliance.
Our final destination was Kimtang, where Convoy’s impact began in 2015. This village, now a beacon of self-sustainability since 2020, proudly displays over 5,000 high tunnels, up from 1,800 just four years ago. Kamal, the ward chairman, beamed as he spoke of the transformation. “In 2023, we produced over $600,000 in tomatoes and $100,000 in potatoes,” he said. “We’re set to grow even more in 2024.”
As we departed, the mountains receded into the distance, but the stories of growth and hope lingered, etched into the landscape and our hearts. Convoy of Hope’s strategies through the years have created opportunities that will sustain themselves for generations.
A high tunnel is a type of greenhouse structure designed to extend the growing season for crops by creating a controlled environment. Ideally made of metal frames covered with plastic sheeting, high tunnels protect plants from harsh weather conditions, such as frost, excessive rain, and strong winds. This design allows farmers to grow crops year-round, regardless of external climate fluctuations.
Beyond vegetables, the community’s ambition stretches to tea cultivation. Over 300 acres of land now host 500,000 tea saplings, and there are plans to distribute the harvest throughout Nepal and even export to China. The sight of row upon row of tea plants, their tender leaves glistening in the sunlight, symbolizes the region’s flourishing spirit and determination.
In regions like Nepal, where weather can be unpredictable and challenging, high tunnels offer significant benefits. They enable farmers to cultivate a variety of crops even during off-seasons, improving food security and providing consistent income. By shielding plants from the elements, high tunnels enhance yields and reduce crop loss, which is crucial for communities where Convoy works that rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods and long-term sustainability.
Q&A: BUBBA WATSON
Bubba Watson dreamed of being a champion golfer while growing up in a small town outside Pensacola, Florida. He has more than fulfilled that dream with 12 wins on the PGA Tour, including two Masters. He and his wife, Angie, are committed to leveraging success on the golf course into creating better lives for others. With his LIV Golf RangeGoats teammates, Watson is partnering with Convoy of Hope. During a visit to Convoy’s Global Headquarters & Training Center, he explained why.
HQ: You spent a day connecting with the Convoy of Hope team. How did it go?
Bubba: I constantly felt the love at the base of everything going on here. Your team does this for people they don’t even know. And there’s such a sense of pursuing a common goal — to support people and help people, not only in this community but across our country and around the world.
HQ: Do you see any common elements between golf and relief work?
Bubba: When we helped pack bags of hygiene products and other resources for disaster survivors, I kept thinking how important preparation is in both golf and relief work. We constantly prepare for the next tournament, the next event. In relief work, you don’t want the next disaster to
happen, but you know it will. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires … you’re preparing months in advance so you can be there to hug a survivor and give them something they need.
HQ: As the RangeGoats, you’re promoting Convoy’s use of goats in our relief work.
Bubba: Once we learned about Convoy of Hope’s goat giving, we knew it was a perfect fit with our team. The idea of helping a family through the gift of a goat is one thing, but knowing that the effect of just one goat and the support of Convoy of Hope’s
Agriculture program can grow to impact an entire community for generations makes it feel that much more special.
HQ: What stands out to you about Convoy’s global work?
Bubba: Convoy adapts to local conditions when meeting needs. In your Agriculture program, for example, you’ve developed a tractor that can be maintained and repaired with locally supplied parts. You can find most of those parts in just about any country, so you can fix your equipment and keep going. That smaller hand-pushed model is light enough for one person to use.
HQ: Connecting with people is very important to you. How does that play into your partnership with Convoy of Hope?
Bubba: You hear the term “dignity” used a lot in nonprofit work. But that is so central to everything Convoy of Hope does. When Convoy brings hope into people’s lives, it never comes across as creating embarrassment for anything someone lacks. Convoy creates opportunities for personal growth, for families to change even over generations. A solution may not come together this year or next year, but change does come. The goats you give away, for example, have baby goats. And goats are just a tiny piece of everything going on here.
HEARTS of COMPASSION
By Mary Vogen
Polly and Wes discovered their passion for supporting Convoy of Hope in 2015 while attending an event in Orange County close to their California home.
They weren’t sure why they were invited to a fundraiser, being of modest means. But they felt led to make a commitment three times
larger than any single charity gift they had ever made before. They had no idea how they would fulfill it.
As Polly shares the memory, it still brings tears. “Later that year we received an unexpected bonus, just the right amount to fulfill our commitment.”
Today, Polly and Wes use a donor-advised fund (DAF) to be intentional about their giving. They continue their journey with Convoy of Hope while traveling often to visit their three grandchildren and attend Wes’ triathlon events.
“We didn’t need to have much faith,” Wes says. “We only needed a heart of compassion.”
The Convoy of Hope Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable fund that allows you to donate cash or appreciated assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and make grants to any qualified charity. Donated assets such as stock, real estate, or privately held interests avoid capital gains tax. Convoy’s Donor-Advised Fund is an intentional way to involve family members in your giving, engage children in grant making, and even allow for successor advisors to carry on your giving long after you are gone.
