UCC DISASTER MINISTRIES ISSUES U.S. STORM APPEAL
The United Church of Christ's national disaster ministries haissued a U.S. Spring Storms Appeal for $250,000.
Funds from the appeal, launched in response to the severe flooding and tornadoes that have devastated portions of the middle and southeastern United States, will help local partners immediately respond in their regions as well as provide long-term assistance to communities to repair and rebuild homes.
“Many homes and communities have been demolished, and more severe storm are expected,” said Florence Coppola, UCC executive for disaster ministries. “Extensive rebuilding is going to be needed.”
To date, six states have been affected by flooding, with more states likely to reach emergency status due to additional rainfall and already high water levels. Some 147 tornadoes have touched down in what many officials are calling the worst single stretch of tornadoes in more than 40 years. More than 200 deaths have been reported.
Reports have indicated that no local UCC church buildings were damaged during the recent wave of flooding and tornadoes, and that its Franklinton Center at Bricks in Whitakers, N.C., also escaped damage.
The UCC’s National Disaster Ministries receives regular damage and response updates from disaster coordinators and conference ministers in the affected areas, and offers immediate UCC One Great Hour of Sharing emergency grants. It also is working with local partners to provide safety equipment to homeowners and volunteers cleaning up damaged homes. A dozen safety equipment kits (Tyvek suits, respirators, goggles and gloves) costs $112.68.
Coppola said that her office is working with local, national and ecumenical disaster response organizations. “The United Church of Christ is committed to walking alongside our brothers and sisters during this disaster and stands firm in its commitment to move communities toward recovery,” she said.
Donate online to the U.S. Spring Storms Appeal
2011 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded hit Japan at 2:46 pm local time on March 11, triggering a massive 23-foot tsunami. The 8.9 magnitude offshore quake, the largest in Japan's history, was followed by more than 50 aftershocks. Japanese police say 200 to 300 bodies were found in Sendai, the closest major city to the epicenter. The death toll was likely to continue climbing given the scale of Friday's disaster; extensive search and rescue efforts were still just getting underway.
HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW
GIVE
Give generously to support emergency relief and rebuilding efforts by making a secure online donation right now. Gifts may also be made at your local UCC congregation marked for “Pacific earthquake/tsunami” -- these will be forwarded to Wider Church Ministries. Donations may also be made out and sent directly to Wider Church Ministries, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.
PRAY
Keep the people in Japan, their leaders, and all emergency response workers in your prayers and thoughts.