UMCOR Calls for Volunteers in Dakotas, Minnesota Cleanup

April 23, 1997: A call for volunteers to help with flood cleanup in the Dakotas and Minnesota was issued April 23 by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Initially, UMCOR will concentrate its cleanup operations on the homes of the elderly, handicapped and others unable to perform hard labor. Later, the agency will need volunteers to help rebuild damaged homes.

April floods have had a devastating impact on a number of communities in North and South Dakota and Minnesota. Among the homes threatened has been the United Methodist episcopal residence in Fargo, N.D. But the home of Bishop Michael Coyner was thought to be safe by April 23 as flood waters there receded.

UMCOR is seeking warehouse space in the region for its flood relief efforts. Once that location is secured, donations of cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, furniture and building materials will be needed.

The agency is assisting the efforts of local United Methodists in the Dakotas and Minnesota, where there are a total of 610 churches and 156,000 members.

Source: United Methodist News Service.