Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based nonprofit organization founded in 1994 and known for its international programs of feeding and otherwise helping poor people. Based in Springfield, Missouri, it also helps in disaster-relief work and has recently begun a science education program in the United States and elsewhere. The CEO is Hal Donaldson.
Founding
The organization was founded in California in 1994 to aid in humanitarian relief. It began by serving Mid-America but has now expanded to other areas.[1] It moved to Missouri some two years later because of its importance to truck transportation. Donaldson chose Springfield because he and his wife had attended Evangel College there.[2] The organization is part of the missions arm of the Assemblies of God USA.
The convoy had beginnings in a Christian tradition.[1] Hal Donaldson, who later became a journalist and author, said he and his two brothers, Steve and Dave, and a sister founded the organization a quarter century after their father was killed by a drunk driver and their mother was hospitalized. The four, Hal being age 12 at the time, were taken in by neighbors and that response, he said, impelled him to take steps when he grew up to alleviate other people's needs.[2][3][3]
Scope of services
Convoy of Hope is noted for its disaster-relief work.[4] In the United States thousands of volunteers were organized into programs that provided, among other things, groceries, résumé advice and dental screenings.[1]
Rating
For eleven years in a row, Convoy of Hope has earned a four-star rating, the highest, from Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates charities in the United States.[5]
Notable supporters
- Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas of the boy band the Jonas Brothers have been affiliated with Convoy of Hope since 2009. The brothers' Change for the Children Foundation has made grants to the organization.[6]
References
- 1 2 3 Jess Rollins, "Mo. Humanitarian Relief Group Deliver," USA Today, January 1, 2013
- 1 2 Bob Watson, "Convoy of Hope Leader Urges Cooperation Among All," News-Tribune, January 10, 2014
- 1 2 Emily Wood, "Convoy of Hope Founder Hal Davidson Shares the Story Behind the Worldwide Charity," KY3 Television, November 26, 2014
- ↑ Alex Murashko, "Convoy of Hope: Next Stop Sioux City, Iowa, to Give Away $1 Million in Food, Services," The Christian Post, September 13, 2013
- ↑ Jeff Phillips, "Convoy of Hope Honored," KSPR ABC 33, March 14, 2014
- ↑ George Lang, "Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers Volunteering in Moore Today With Convoy of Hope," The Oklahoman, May 24, 2013
External links
- Day of Hope in Bangor, Maine, WABI television report, September 3, 2014
- "'Convoy of Hope' Reaches Out to Americans Below Poverty Line," Fox News television report, July 14, 2012