Recently, Rainbow Network sent a container to Nicaragua. If you’re not familiar with containers, they are giant, stackable metal boxes that can be packed full of goods and easily transferred between trucks, ships, and rail to reach their destination.

Some Rainbow Network supporters, however, are quite familiar with containers; it takes a small army to load one! Earlier in May, Byers UMC in Joplin hosted a container in their parking lot. St. Paul UMC (Joplin) helped load all the donated clothing, shoes, school supplies, and household goods to be sent to Nicaragua. We would like to send a big THANK YOU to all the supporters from Joplin, the Container Project, Springfield, and the surrounding areas who added donations to the container and made this and other shipments possible!

Get in on the Action!
There are two big container shipments planned for the remainder of 2012. Both are in severe need of donations; what can you or your group do to help?

It may be hot out, but it’s time to start thinking about Christmas! All summer, we are collecting toys for children in Nicaragua. The container will be sent in late August or early September to arrive in time for Christmas. Be sure to check the list below to make sure all your toys can be shipped!

Our most critical container will collect school supplies in August-September and ship in October. Pick up a few extra supplies while they are on back-to-school special or contact us to learn how you can buy supplies by the pallet with a special deal for buying bulk. If your Sunday school classroom is getting a new board, please donate your old one! We are in need of chalk and marker boards for our primary school classrooms.

Other requests: There is always a need for quality folding tables/chairs, walkers, bicycles, and wheelchairs – these can go on either our summer or fall container!

Check this list for the most needed supplies and to learn which goods cannot be shipped.

Containers like this one make it possible for neighbors to gather goods and send them to Nicaragua as efficiently as possible. If you have a passion for giving or an idea to benefit the poor in Nicaragua, please give us a call. Contact Alex in our office at 417-889-8088 to see how you can host, fill, or ship an upcoming container!