[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 186 (Thursday, December 1, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF HAL DONALDSON AND CONVOY OF HOPE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2022

  Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the founder of Convoy 
of Hope, Hal Donaldson.
  In 1994, Hal took a trip to India and was inspired to start serving 
his local community. He bought $600 worth of groceries and distributed 
them to families in need. In 1996, Convoy of Hope opened its 
headquarters in Springfield, MO, and in 1997 a friend donated a tractor 
trailer to assist in transporting goods. It was the first of many 
tractor trailers which are now iconic. Since 1994, Convoy of Hope has 
expanded into a global charity, serving more than 100 countries. They 
have served more than 200 million people and given out nearly $2 
billion in resources and essential supplies. They have responded to 
more than 600 disasters worldwide, including the 9/11 terror attacks, 
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 where they sent nearly 1,000 tractor trailer 
loads of food and supplies as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria 
in 2017. They also provided more than 200 million meals during the 
COVID pandemic and are currently helping to provide meals for 
Ukrainians impacted by the war. These are but a few examples of the 
incredible work done by Convoy of Hope.
  Convoy of Hope continues to expand their efforts, and in 2021, they 
completed construction on their new World Distribution Center in 
Springfield and are currently working to build a new headquarters next 
door, which is expected to be completed in 2023.
  Madam Speaker, since their humble beginnings in 1994, Hal Donaldson 
and Convoy of Hope have become a global leader in responding to 
disasters and providing food for the hungry. They continue to grow 
through the help of volunteers and generous donations. I am proud to 
honor them today, and thank them for all of their efforts to date and 
going forward.

                          ____________________