  |
|
November 30, 2001: UMCOR is sending a grant of $65,000 to the Florida Conference to assist with recovery from damage caused by Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The conference disaster response workers have identified 100 homes that need repairs and there are also many wells that were contaminated and must be restored. UMCOR has also sent recent grants to Cuba, the Bahamas, and Nicaragua--all of these areas suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Michelle. These funds will help provide food, other emergency supplies, and assistance with rebuilding. Although this news has been overshadowed by the other recent tragedies, it has been a devastating hurricane season for people in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. Please give generously to UMCOR's Hurricanes 2001, Advance #982350.
UMCOR and several annual conferences are responding to the tornadoes and other severe storms that swept across southern states this past week. UMCOR is sending an emergency response grant to the North Alabama Conference. At least 15 counties in Alabama reported significant damage. Tornadoes also struck portions of Arkansas and Mississippi, where local disaster response workers are assessing the damage and need. UMCOR has sent a grant to the Cordell, Oklahoma interfaith group for their work in responding to tornado damage in October. You can join in this disaster response work, by giving to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
A recent typhoon struck the Philippines and completely wiped out one community. At least 88 people were killed and 237 were missing as of the most recent report. UMCOR has a sent a grant to provide relief items for survivors and evacuees. Many of the victims were children. Your gifts to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, Advance #982450, make it possible for UMCOR to respond to critical situations like this one.
Volunteers are needed to help with rebuilding in Houston, Texas, and may be needed in areas affected by the recent tornadoes. Please call (800) 918-3100 to find out about current volunteer opportunities.
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 of the world and continues to respond to the tragedies of September 11 and their aftermath in the U.S. and internationally. To find out more about current UMCOR ministries, please visit the website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor.
As we begin the season of Advent, please remember those who suffer from hunger, poverty, and disasters in your prayers and in your preparations to celebrate Jesus' birth.
Photo: Damage caused by Hurricane Michelle in Cuba, November 2001. Credit: Cuban Council of Churches.
