UMC tsunami relief fund
The Red Cross now says the death toll from the weekend's tsunami in the Indian Ocean area will likely go to more than 100,000. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, an agency of the General Board of Global Ministries, has set up a designated fund to accept donations for relief work in the stricken areas. Full details may be found here.

UMCOR will be working with partner church-related and other humanitarian agencies in providing food, clean water, shelter, and sanitary services in a broadband of nations from Asia to Africa. Virtually all of the Indian Ocean area was affected by the December 26 earthquake that set off tsunamis (tidal waves) of massive size and force.

Contributions may be placed in the offering plate of any United Methodist Church or sent directly to UMCOR at Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115. Please indicate that the gift is for "Advance # 274305, Southeast Asia Emergency Relief."

There are many non-government funds for donations, of course, and President Bush encouraged Americans this morning to donate to them. Even Amazon.com has established a one-click donation link to the American Red Cross.

I heard on the radio news this morning that the need right now is for money, not for in-kind items such as clothing or other articles. In times past the UMCOR has solicited comfort kits of specific items such as towels, toothbrushes, soaps and the like, but no such plea has yet come from UMCOR for tsunami relief.

Please give generously!

by Donald Sensing, 12/29/2004 01:01:34 PM. Permalink |