UMCOR joins Nairobi appeal

As President Clinton honored the Americans killed in the Aug. 7 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) joined an effort to assist victims in Kenya.

Action by Churches Together (ACT), of which UMCOR is a member, has responded to a request for assistance from the National Council of Churches of Kenya and Lutheran World Service-Nairobi and has established a $150,000 appeal.

UMCOR approved an initial $10,000 grant on Aug. 13.

The church groups want to address the immediate and long-term needs of the bomb blast victims to alleviate trauma and psychological and social problems. The bombing killed nearly 250 people and injured about 5,000.

Plans are being formed for an immediate needs appraisal, a longer-term trauma counseling program and family social support packages. Equipment also is needed for the council of churches' emergency response unit.

The headquarters of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, located only 75 meters from the U.S. Embassy, suffered serious damage from the terrorist explosion. Twenty staff members were injured, none critically.

Persons wishing to contribute to the appeal can make checks to UMCOR Emergency Advance No. 982450-8, earmarked "Nairobi bombing." Checks can be dropped in church collection plates or mailed directly to UMCOR at 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115.