|
Dear friends:
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them (Matthew 9:36a ).
When Jesus felt compassion, he felt it personally and deeply. Recognizing their plight, Jesus lifted people up and provided them comfort and healing. As we all know, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused devastating destruction, and many survivors are in need. Church World Service directly supplies assembled kits filled with useful supplies for cleaning up a home and kits that provide basic hygiene needs. As conference disaster coordinator, I have received a plea for fully assembled emergency cleanup buckets and hygiene kits. These kits will be deployed to areas affected by the hurricanes. Each type of kit requires specific items, and the directions are attached. Congregations that raise $250 or more (monetary or in-kind supplies) for Church World Service Kits are eligible to apply for a $250 matching grant from UCC Global H.O.P.E.
Bucket Brigade and Kit Assembly Campaign for the Wisconsin Conference
This campaign will run until Nov. 2.
WHY THIS?
After a disaster strikes our compassion and need to help kicks in and we look for opportunities to help. Unfortunately, some of our efforts create more challenges for the organizations, agencies, and first responders who are “boots on the ground.” This initiative is directly connected to an agency that has the authority to work in these disaster areas. It is important to listen to the experts and to respond to the requests of these reputable organizations.
Additionally, these kits are directly connected to public health and wellness. This type of disaster brings with it public health concerns including waterborne illnesses and other bacterial, fungal, and parasitic issues. Through the use of cleaning supplies and by managing personal hygiene we can help limit public health challenges.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Decide whether your congregation will assemble kits and which ones.
2. Collect the supplies
3. Assemble the kits
4. Drop off assembled kits at one of the drop-off locations by Nov. 3.
5. If your congregation spent or raised $250, apply for a matching grant.
6. Drivers will pick up kits from the drop-off locations and load them onto a truck.
7. A truck full of kits will deliver all of the kits to Church World Service.
For more information, check out these videos:
It is my hope that we can respond with the compassion of Jesus and bring a ray of hope to those trying to survive. If you have any questions, please me at pastorbridget@yahoo.com or by phone 262-388-5896.
In faith,
Bridget Hill
Wisconsin Conference Disaster Coordinator
| 
