|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Washington Flood Relief Efforts
Lynn Longfield, General Presbyter of Olympia Presbytery, provides us with the latest information on relief efforts:
Friends,
As you are well aware, the human suffering in Lewis and Grays Harbor Counties is profound following last week's storm and resulting flooding. Community, federal, state and church agencies are mobilizing to provide immediate and long term aid to those who have lost homes, possessions, and in some instances, hope.
After touring the hardest hit areas yesterday, two national Presbyterian Disaster Relief specialists, Bob Barnes and Morella Larsen, met with staff members here in the Presbytery office today. They will be with us for several days to help coordinate response efforts. In addition PDA has granted us $10,000 in emergency aid, for which we are immensely grateful. We will be working with our brothers and sisters in the most devastated areas to determine how those funds can best be used to get people back on their feet.
Tony Cook, Communications Manager of Olympia Presbytery, states that the United Way (360-740-7744 ) is doing marvelous work in the Chehalis/Centralia area to address immediate needs. If your church would like to send a work crew ASAP to help clear debris from homes, they are the ones to contact. Joyce Carr (360-748-7298) would be happy to help you make that connection in order to set up a time and place to work.
Washington Interfaith Disaster Recovery Organization (WIDRO) is also hard at work in the ecumenical community mobilizing workers and resources. Here is a notice sent out from Associated Ministries this morning:
SPECIAL NOTICE ON CURRENT FLOODING DISASTER IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
In case you are not aware, Associated Ministries is coordinating the ecumenical/interfaith response to disasters in our state. We have taken over this responsibility from the Washington Association of Churches at their request. Our lead staff in state-wide disaster response is Neil Molenaar (neilmolenaar@aol.com , or 1-360-710-7248). Neil has extensive experience in disaster response. The official name of this program is: Washington Interfaith Disaster Recovery Organization (WIDRO). His board currently consists of representatives from: LDS, PCUSA, ELCA, DCC, UCC, Episcopal Church, Church World Service, FEMA, and WA State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Additional representation is being added from other religious traditions. Please contact Neil regarding coordinated responses for relief. Funds may be given through your denomination or sent directly to AM earmarked for WIDRO. 100% of those funds will go for assistance. Please understand that it is critical that we coordinate our responses to the disaster to make sure we make effective use of our resources, as well as make sure our volunteers are safe. All of our work is coordinated with the WA State Emergency Operations Center and the Governor's Office. Thanks so much. David
If you, your congregation members, or your congregation as a whole would like to make a contribution to the disaster recovery effort, you may either send checks directly to the Presbytery office designated for WA Disaster Recovery, or to PDA, designated to Account Number DR0000015, specified to Washington flood relief.
Many Blessings to You this Holy Season -
In Christ,
Lynn
Updated Flood Needs
The United Way of Lewis County has announced that the Centralia distribution center for flood relief supplies, particularly clothing and household items, will move to the Harrison Square Presbyterian Church at 1227 Harrison Avenue in Centralia, effective Thursday, December 12, 2007. The center will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Flood victims are encouraged to come and find good used clothing and/or household items as needed. The phone number is 807-2141.
NOTE: NO FURTHER DONATIONS OF USED CLOTHING WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL FURTHER NEED IS IDENTIFIED. Clean, gently used blankets, sheets, and bedding are welcome. Please identify the bedding SIZE, if possible. Gently used coats are also welcome.
United Way is requesting the following: Money ( cash-checks-gift cards-Visa-MasterCard) * Flat / Snow Shovels * Shop Towels * Hand Sanitizers * Rubber Storage Containers * 40 Gallon Garbage Bags * Push Brooms * Carpet/Box Cutting Knives * Garden Hoses/Nozzles * Space Heaters * Generators * Volunteers with Power Washers * Pre-Paid Cell Phones * Kid's Socks * New Underwear (all sizes) * Warm Coats/Parkas * Propane Heaters * Bleach (no additives) * Latex/Rubber Gloves & Masks * Rubber Boots (all sizes) * First Aid Kits * Warm PJ's * Common Meds * Rain Gear * Diapers * Extension Cords * Hand Sanitizers * Dish Soap * Laundry Soap * 2" Clear Packaging Tape * Zip Lock Bags
Special thanks to the generous folks at the Centralia Carpenter's Hall for use of their facility as the interim satellite relief center for Centralia.
Love INC, is serving as a clearing house for information, needs, furniture, household goods, and Christmas gifts for flood victims. Call 748-8611 to express other needs you may have. Love INC will attempt to match donors and/or volunteers with specific needs in the community.
Salvation Army is operating a Flood Relief Center at 312 S. Tower, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. They are a distribution center for clothing and household items. They can also help fill needs for food or other assistance. The phone number is 736-4339. |
Posted on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 (Archive on Wednesday, December 12, 2007)
Posted by ken Contributed by ken
| | Return |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|