Southeast District Announces Collection Sites for Haiti
On January 12, a major earthquake with a 7.0 magnitude hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti, causing
widespread destruction. Millions of people are affected and the international Red Cross estimated that 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed.
“The prayers and condolences of the Southeast District Churches go out to the people of Haiti in the wake of the tragic Earthquake” said District Superintendent Stryker.
The District leadership is asking churches to collect offering for Haiti and to assemble Health Kits at their local churches. (Click for attached instruction sheet for latest contents). The District has set up two collection points once the kits are assembled.
1. Churches on the Western side of the district may take completed kits to the Southeast District Office, 216 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL. Office is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We will be happy to receive kits at other times if you call for appointment.
2. Churches on the Eastern side may take completed kits to Wedowee First UMC, 116 West Broad Street, Wedowee, AL. Office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9AM-2PM (if need to drop off at other times, call first 256-357-2214)
The Southeast District efforts is part of the total North Alabama Conference Disaster Response to the tragedy in Haiti. The kits from collection sites will be taken to North Alabama Disaster Response Warehouse. Rev. Ray Crump has reported that The North Alabama Conference Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur, AL has already planned to ship out 3,000 health kits to those in need in Haiti, but that stock will need to be replenished so more can go out as they are needed. Read more on North Alabama Conference response.
Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy says, "It is being reported that there are no functioning hospitals currently in Port au Prince—these health kits maybe one glimmer of hope to save lives in Haiti."
Rev. Robert Mount, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Southeast District, reminds churches that 100% of gifts to UMCOR through the Advance goes to support the designated project. No administrative fees are taken from these gifts.
Bishop Will Willimon says, "Patsy and I had lifechanging experiences on mission trips to Haiti. Our hearts go out to our Haitian brothers and sisters. I am thrilled that our North Alabama Conference mission and disaster response ministry is prepared for this crisis and is responding immediately. I ask all of our churches to do what they can to participate
in this effort."
United Methodists are responding to the disaster with prayers, presence and donations. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has close ties with the Methodist Church in Haiti and is actively involved in the response efforts. Click links for news related to UMCOR response efforts including:
Missing mission executive seen entering destroyed hotel
Mission volunteers missing, injured in Haiti
North Alabama Conference reminds us that you can donate directly to those affected through UMCOR. Mark your donations “Haiti Emergency Advance #418325."
You may give
By Offering - For local church and Annual Conference credit, put your gift in the offering plate on Sunday.
By Check - Make your check to UMCOR and send to: UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087
By Credit Card - Call toll-free (800) 554-8583 or Give online by clicking here.
Volunteers—Churches are asked NOT to send volunteers to Haiti at this time, as this has the potential to create a personal and safety problem.
The church remains in prayer and generous service during this enormous tragedy,