Serve Brownsville

Dates: Thursday, August 13, 2026 - Sunday, August 16, 2026

Cost: $85 per person
The per-person fee includes two volunteer shirts, a background check, two lunches, and one dinner. 

Location: Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana, 3049 Lima St, Brownsville, TX 78521

Application Deadline: July 13, 2025

Age Requirement

All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. No prior experience required.

Insurance Requirement

Each participant must be covered by personal health or accident insurance. For short-term insurance options, visit HERE. 

Note: The linked short-term insurance options do not constitute an endorsement by WMU of Texas.

Orientation

Each participant must complete a background check and Ministry Safe Training before July 17, 2025. 

Clothing Suggestions

• Dress moderately in layers appropriate for the weather.

• Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required.

Meals

We will provide water, snacks, and lunch on-site each day.  A dinner orientation will be provided on August 13. Breakfast and dinner are on your own for all other meal times.

Travel & Lodging

Hotel: Participants are responsible for booking their lodging. Hotel recommendations coming soon. 

Airport: Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport

Volunteer Schedule

WHY BROWNSVILLE? 

We are collecting school supplies for the children attending schools in Brownsville, Texas, to support families facing significant financial challenges. 

With a poverty rate estimated at 24.9%, more than double the national average, many families in Brownsville struggle to afford basic necessities, including educational materials. 

Serve Brownsville aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens these families face, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey.

School Supplies Goal: 4,000* Backpacks with Supplies

*As of 2023, Brownsville ISD has an enrollment of 37,032 students. Our aim is to provide support to 10% of these enrolled students.

DONATION LIST

• 4,000 Clear Backpacks
• 4,000 School Supply Kits
  • Need help finding supplies? Buy from our Amazon List. 

If you or your church would like to collect individual supplies, see the list below. 

• Colored Pencils
• Box of Crayons
• Composition Notebooks
• Folders with Prongs
• Package of Wide-Ruled Paper
• Pack of 12 Pencils
• Scissors
• Red Pens
• Black Pens
• Erasers
• Glue Sticks
• Glue Bottle
• Spiral Notebooks
• Pack of Index Cards
• Highlighters
• 1" Binder

You may drop off or mail donations to: 

WMU of Texas
10325 Brockwood Rd, Dallas, Texas 75238
Contact: Teri Ussery
Phone: (214) 828-5374
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana
3049 Lima St, Brownsville, TX 78521
Contact: Vanessa Lerma
Phone: (956) 279-5515
 

Select the button below to support Serve Brownsville financially. 

• Step 1: Open Giving Page
• Step 2: Scroll to the Mission Trip Section
• Step 3: Enter $$ Amount
• Step 4: Select "WMU - Mission Trips" in the drop-down field.
• Step 5: Enter "Serve Brownsville" in the Name Field.

You may also mail a check to WMU of Texas, 10325 Brockwood Rd., Dallas, Texas 75238. Memo: Serve Brownsville.