Van Donation Press Release
For Immediate Release
Kelli Weaver (404-376-6055)
New Quakerdale Farms Owner Donates 15-Passenger Van to Swahilian Friends Church located in Marshalltown, IA
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (May 28, 2024) – The new owner of Quakerdale Farms, Lance Thornton, has demonstrated a commitment to community service by donating a 15-passenger van to the Swahilian Friends Church located in Marshalltown, IA. This generous act is part of a broader initiative by Thornton to support local organizations, including recent donations of various items such as lockers to restaurants, beds to families in need, bicycles, and appliances to various non-profits around the state.
In January, former student and successful developer Thornton acquired the New Providence Quakerdale campus and transformed it into Quakerdale Farms. The farm will operate as a for-profit agritourism venture, with proceeds supporting the Quakerdale Foundation's mission to promote hope, love, and community support in line with the vision of its founder, Quaker philanthropist Josiah White.
"There are many items that came with the campus purchase that I feel will be better utilized with others,” Thornton said. “God is connecting these needs, and we are happy to be part of the giving plan. Every week, it seems like a natural connection is made that connects something we have to someone who can use it in a greater way."
The Marshalltown Friends Church serves as a church home for a Swahilian group of United Nations (UN) refugees who fled persecution in the Congo. After spending eight years in a UN Refugee camp, they were relocated to Marshalltown in 2018 through the UN's refugee program. During their time in the camp, they found solace in attending Friends services, and upon arriving in Marshalltown, they found support from the local Marshalltown congregation. Every Sunday, the church hosts a traditional English service before lunch, followed by the Swahilian service at 1 p.m. The Swahilian congregation welcomes visitors, and interpreters are provided to ensure understanding during the Swahilian service.
Meanwhile, for over a year, another Friends Church, LeGrand Friends, has been actively searching for a van to aid the Swahilian group. Lloyd Stangeland, representative from LeGrand Friends Church, said, “our church has been researching vehicle options for over a year. We’ve been waiting, praying, and seeking divine guidance for this group. We know the impact a dependable vehicle can provide to facilitating church trips and providing transportation to Sunday services, but unfortunately, we had not been able to locate a vehicle for them. Recently, it was brought to our attention that the new owner of Quakerdale might have some options. We contacted Lance, and he immediately said yes.”
During the recent van dedication service, Swahilian Pastor Furaha conveyed her deep gratitude for the donation, emphasizing their sense of blessing.
"As we build our new life here, we continue to see God’s miracles happening all the time," she said. "We are thankful for Mr. Thornton and Quakerdale Farms, Lloyd Stangeland and LeGrand Friends Church, and Marshalltown Friends Church for their willingness to help us. Our families are so excited over the new opportunities the van will give us for outreach and church activities.”
Thornton's vision for Quakerdale Farms extends beyond its physical assets, aiming to maximize its impact for the greater good. "The purpose of buying this campus is to maximize the grounds, the buildings and everything under the Quakerdale Farms umbrella to their full potential and maximum impact for God’s glory,” he said. “We are excited about introducing lavender and hospitality to the agritourism industry and using the campus for as many community projects as possible.”
For more information about Quakerdale Farms and its community initiatives, please visit quakerdalefarms.com.
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In January of 2024, former student, and successful developer, Lance Thornton, purchased the New Providence Quakerdale campus. The New Providence campus, now operating as Quakerdale Farms, will be transitioned into a working lavender farm featuring multiple fields, greenhouses, an event center and an equine aquatic resort. This will be a for-profit agritourism venture with plans to honor the founder's mission by using this land to encourage hope, love and community support. A percentage of all proceeds will go to Quakerdale Foundation to further the work of Quaker philanthropist Josiah White. For more details, visit www.quakerdalefarms.com