  |
|
June 15, 2001
Allison Aftermath: Volunteers Urgently Needed!
The remnants of Tropical Storm Allison have continued to wreak havoc across the South. The death toll from the storm system is at least 27. The most severe flooding is in the Houston area where FEMA has already received 120,000 applications for assistance.
The UMCOR Depot sent 3,500 flood buckets, valued at over $100,000, which were distributed from three United Methodist Churches in the area. More than 2,000 flood buckets have been distributed in Louisiana. Though Texas and Louisiana experienced the most severe flooding, portions of Georgia and Florida have also been flooded. UMCOR's domestic disaster response manager is currently in Houston working with the Texas Conference staff to develop further relief and recovery plans. He reports that this will be a large scale, long term response and recovery effort.
Please help replenish the supply of flood buckets at the Depot-- for assembly and shipping instructions, call the Depot at (800) 814-8765. Emergency grants are being sent to Texas and Louisiana and we anticipate that a significant financial response will be necessary. Please give generously to UMCOR's Hurricanes 2001, Advance #982350.
UMCOR has sent a grant to support a vocational training and accelerated learning program in Gbason Town, Liberia. This school is for war-affected youth, many of them child soldiers who now must be reintegrated into society and learn skills that will enable them to pursue a livelihood by non-violent means. UMCOR has also recently responded with grant to assist thousands of displaced persons fleeing the fighting in Lofa County, Liberia. To join in these relief and recovery efforts, please give to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, Advance #982450.
The United Nations has designated June 20 as the first annual World Refugee Day. The theme is "Respect," --respect for the refugees themselves, for their positive contributions to society, and for their rights. Please observe this day by raising awareness in your congregation of the situation of refugees. The UMCOR Refugee Ministries Unit encourages churches to hold a special refugee worship service during one of the remaining Sundays in June. For more information call UMCOR at (212) 870-3806 or visit the UMCOR website.
Gifts may be made through local United Methodist churches, or by calling 1-800-554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted. (Read more about how you can help UMCOR's emergency responses.)
UMCOR is providing emergency relief in many areas at this moment. To find out more about current UMCOR ministries, please visit http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/.
Please pray for those who suffer from hunger, poverty, natural and human-made disasters.
Allison
World Refugee Day, June 20
