(from the 9/17 edition of the NIC e-News)
Flood/Cleaning Buckets
We are grateful for the many NIC churches which are offering prayers, donating flood bucket supplies, sending volunteers and collecting special offerings for UMCOR to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey and now for those in the path of Hurricane Irma.
The Rockford District has started a flood bucket collection effort through the month of September. Donated items may be dropped off at Christ UMC in Rockford which will be delivered to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, IL. Questions please contact Cliff Gillette at Christ UMC at (815)399-5910 or cgillette@christumc.cc or John Stelter (district mission coordinator) at (815)721-3382 or johnsteltr@comcast.net.
Click here for the list of items needed for flood buckets.
The Midwest Mission Distribution Center encourages monetary donations or supplies bought through DollarDays as one of the best ways to donate since they are shipped directly to MMDC at the Center’s bulk prices. Monetary donations may be sent to: MMDC at PO Box 56 in Chatham, IL 62629.
Volunteers
A seven person Early Response Team (ERT) team from First UMC in Morris left for Texas on September 1 to help residents whose homes were ravaged by Hurricane Harvey. The team received clearance from the Rio Texas Conference to come help. They have spent the last several days in Corpus Christi and the town of Refugio tarping roofs, repairing windows cutting and removing damaged trees, and cleaning up debris in 100 degree heat.
“Please pray for all these people who have had their lives turned up-side-down by hurricane Harvey and also please pray that Hurricane Irma turns out to sea and doesn’t impact anyone,” said Colin Monk, the team’s coordinator. “Thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of this ERT mission. I am truly humbled by everyone’s generous donations and kind words.”
Here’s a link to register to volunteer to assist those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Texas will need assistance for years to come to fully recover.
The State of Texas is asking volunteers to NOT SELF-DEPLOY, as unexpectedly showing up to any of the communities that have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey will create an additional burden for first responders. Remember be patient as they are still assessing the needs of the impacted areas.
For the latest information visit:
NIC Disaster Response Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nicdisaster
Rio Texas Conference: riotexas.org/harvey
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