Hurricane Katrina Relief Information - September 2005

Many people are looking for ways to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the southern United States.  It is still too early to send volunteers in VIM programs, but training programs for these trips will begin soon.  The Baltimore Washington Conference (BWCUMC) and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) are posting regular updates.  Attached is a Hurricane Katrina Information Sheet which you can print to hand out to your organizations.  The primary needs at this time are funds and Health Kits.

Below are some recommendations and some programs our church is currently undertaking: 

Pray : First and foremost, remember to pray for these people.  Pray for their safety and their basic needs be met.  Also pray that they will see God's hand at work in the love and generosity of fellow human beings.   

Food Drive: Christ UMC is launching a non-perishable food drive to support the Frederick Food Bank and refugees who are being relocated to the Frederick area.  Bring your contributions to church at any time  Click here for more info ...Food Drive 

Health Kits: At this time health kits with basic necessities are needed.  More info ... Health Kits

Financial Support: Below you will find information about how to make financial contributions toward the relief effort.  

Giving Through our CUMC Congregation:
Please indicate clearly any giving intended for disaster relief in your Sunday offerings by writing a note in the memo section of your check.  

Giving directly to UMCOR
Donations may also be made directly to the United Methodist Committee on Relief by sending a check to UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted.   According to the UMC, one hundred percent of every penny you give to UMCOR goes directly for relief and recovery efforts. Administrative and other costs come out of different funding areas.  

UMCOR Web sites for information on emergency relief:

How to Donate Now to Relief Effort (Includes on-line giving): http://www.methodistrelief.org/site/pp.asp?c=bhKNI4PHIpE&b=279466

The UMCOR Hotline:
http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor-hotline/

UMCOR Ministries:
http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

In addition to United Methodist Agencies, the following relief organizations are also gathering donations to provide help:

American Red Cross:  www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp, 800.435.7669

Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org, 800.725.2769

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat-nola.org, 800.422.4828 x2957

In addition to United Methodist Agencies, the following relief organizations are also gathering donations to provide help:

American Red Cross:  www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp, 800.435.7669

Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org, 800.725.2769

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat-nola.org, 800.422.4828 x2957