Disciples of Joy & the IK Synod: A Partnership Turning Faith Into Readiness
When disaster strikes, response begins long before the storm—and often in a warehouse. Through our partnership with Disciples of Joy, congregations across our synod come together to prepare and support essential relief supplies that can be deployed quickly when communities need them most. This collaboration invites congregations into a hands-on role in disaster response, strengthening readiness well before an emergency occurs.
Through this warehouse ministry, critical relief items are stored locally, allowing us to respond swiftly to disasters across Indiana and Kentucky—both large and small. This local presence makes it possible to address lower-attention emergencies where only a pallet or two of supplies may be needed, not a full truckload. With the support of Disciples of Joy, we are able to respond with flexibility and care, recognizing that a disaster is a disaster regardless of scale. Every family impacted experiences real disruption and loss, and timely access to even a small amount of assistance can make a meaningful difference.
Together, we ensure relief items are assembled, stored, and ready for distribution in the earliest days of a disaster—when preparation, coordination, and speed matter most.
How Congregations Support the Warehouse
Congregations are at the heart of this partnership. Through service events, donation drives, and kit-building days, congregations help stock the warehouse with essential supplies used in disaster response and early recovery.
Current items supported through this partnership include:
- Hygiene Kits – Providing dignity and basic care after disaster
- Flood Buckets (Cleanup Kits) – Helping families begin cleanup and recovery
- Tarp Kits – Offering temporary roof protection after storms
- Totes – Supporting safe storage and transport of supplies
Every kit assembled and every item stored represents preparedness in action—and a tangible expression of care for neighbors impacted by disaster.
Warehouse Snapshot: Supplies on Hand
To help congregations see the impact of their support, we provide regular updates on current warehouse inventory. This snapshot allows congregations to focus efforts where the need is greatest and celebrate progress together.
Want to help fill the gaps? Use these numbers to guide your next kit-building event or donation drive.
(Tip: This section works well as a simple table or dashboard-style box. You can update it manually monthly or quarterly, or embed a live Google Sheet if you want real-time updates.)
Order Party Packs from Church World Service (CWS)
Congregations looking to host a kit-building event can order Party Packs directly from Church World Service (CWS). Party Packs include pre-measured supplies that make it easy for groups of all sizes to assemble kits efficiently.
Congregations can also download the lists and purchase the items to assemble your own kits. The product sizes included on these lists are just as important to follow as purchasing the exact items on the list.
Order CWS Party Packs:
Hygiene Kit Party Pack Form - CWS Kits
Bucket Party Pack Form - CWS Kits
Printable Shopping Lists for Kits:
Party Packs are ideal for:
- Youth groups
- Confirmation classes
- Adult forums
- Community service days
Once assembled, kits can be picked up or delivered to the Disciples of Joy warehouse to be staged for future disaster response.
Why This Partnership Matters
This partnership works because it connects local congregations to a regional response system. Disciples of Joy provides the warehouse infrastructure and logistics. Congregations provide hands, hearts, and commitment. Together, we create a response network that is prepared, coordinated, and ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
By supporting the warehouse ministry, congregations move from reacting to disasters to actively preparing for them—ensuring that when disaster comes, help is already on the way.
Get Involved
Whether your congregation is ready to host a kit-building event, donate supplies, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you in this partnership.
Learn More About Disciples of Joy: Disciples of J.O.Y. for Disaster Relief
