North Newton volunteers pack thousands of relief kits for countries overseas

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) — Every Wednesday, Lotti Boschmann is reminded of her childhood.

“I can just kind of have that feeling again,” Boschmann said.

She volunteers with the Mennonite Central Committee and packs the same kits she received growing up in Paraguay.

“We received clothing, something to wear for every family member, and that was distributed in our villages. It was a blessing,” Boschmann said.

The nonprofit sends five types of relief kits covering school supplies, hygiene items, infant clothes, and more to 44 countries.

“There is lots and lots of need around the world, and it seems like there’s more and more and more with natural disasters happening in many places, wars,” said volunteer Margaret Wiebe.

Weight of Valor: Nonprofit crafts quilts to comfort veterans

“They don’t have a choice. They just leave, and they don’t have time to pack stuff up,” explained Brocia Mueller, MCC’s Volunteer Coordinator.

MCC works with partners in each country to determine what items are needed.

“They’re doing what’s best for the people and not what we think is best,” Mueller said. “It’s humbling in a way because we have the means, but we don’t know the answers.”

It’s an exchange that gives on both sides.

“I feel called to be doing this,” Wiebe said.

“That is our joy to give back and hopefully bless others,” Boschmann said.

It’s a mission filled with love, peace and relief.

MCC is running low on items for the kits. Their biggest needs currently are new infant sleepers (6-12 months), bath towels, laundry soap, shampoo, and spiral notebooks.

If you would like to nominate a nonprofit for our Here For You Spotlight, fill out our online contact form.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.