Our Salvatorian Mission Warehouse (SMWH) shipped 20 containers to 15 missions in 11 countries last year, collectively holding close to 830,000 pounds of relief items. Currently, six containers are waiting to ship. In addition, gracious donors helped this ministry purchase 178,750 pounds of rice for distribution in Ghana and 27,500 pounds for distribution in Kenya.
After several years of trials and tribulation, in 2024, we successfully sent a container filled with humanitarian aid, including equipment, food, and bags of rice to Kenya, the homeland of Fr. Simon Muema, SDS. Though Fr. Simon lives and ministers in the USA, he helped SMWH navigate the details and the ultimate shipment to Kenya in July.
As we continue the work that Brother Regis Fust, SDS, and Sr. Dora Zapf, SDS, started in 1963, we also try to help as many people as possible locally.
In 2024, SMWH began packaging crackers and pretzel sticks to be sent to nearly 30 food pantries locally. We also worked with local schools to provide snacks and clothing for students from families struggling to afford these items. Additionally, our outreach to refugee families that need everyday items such as clothing, food, and furniture has increased.
Our newest venture is with the Lions groups from New Holstein, Kiel, and Chilton to initiate a medical locker to loan out medical equipment where the SMWH provides the medical equipment and the space, and the Lions groups work to connect people needing medical equipment.
Strengthening the connection of our Salvatorian priests and brothers with the staff and volunteers at the SMWH, Fr. Mike Neeland, SDS, has been invited to minister at the warehouse. Helping out where he is needed, learning more about the shipments and what goes into these logistics, and bringing his experience related to finding and growing the needed volunteer base have all been a part of his ministry of presence at the mission warehouse.
Deb Stein, Assistant Director at the SMWH reflected, “We aren’t sure how long Fr. Mike will be able to help, but we graciously accept his support as long as he is available. He has been learning everything we do here and has helped with some new perspectives on how we could do things.”
“It has grown and much has changed since I initially visited during my novitiate year with the Salvatorians more than a decade ago,” said Fr. Mike. “The opportunity to share the goodness and kindness of our Savior remains with those who volunteer and those who receive these containers of humanitarian goods.”
