Note: This edition of the UMCOR Hotline is a special Hurricanes 2004 Update. For more information about UMCOR's current responses, read the UMCOR Hotline for September 14.
September 16, 2004
Hurricanes 2004: UMCOR Officials Head for Alabama
Hurricane Ivan pummeled a heavily developed, hastily abandoned coastline from Mississippi to Florida. Under cover of darkness, the storm that has left 70 dead imperiled historic districts, oil refineries, and mobile home housing in its 300-mile swath. Hard hit was Mobile, Alabama, where a storm surge threatened to swamp Mobile Bay, according to wire service reports.
UMCOR officials are heading today for the Mobile area to begin initial assessments and provide spiritual support to volunteers in the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. UMCOR is ready to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts as soon as workers can assess damage. In addition the agency is weighing options for response in Puerto Rico, just lashed by Tropical Storm Jeanne.
UMCOR continues to issue its urgent call for flood buckets, supplies that hasten post-hurricane cleanup. Assembly instructions are online.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit www.umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; 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.
Please pray for all in the paths of these ferocious storms. Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #982410, Hurricanes 2004, may be designated for assistance to specific regions affected by the storms-- or simply directed "where most needed." Thank you for your generous hearts.