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Mission Central & UMCOR Questions Answered
Is Mission Central UMCOR?
No, Mission Central is its own 501c3 organization. We are not run by the United Methodist Church or UMCOR. We were started by the United Methodist Church, but we are ecumenical in nature, working with all those, no matter who they are.
How is Mission Central Funded?
Mission Central is funded almost entirely by contributions from individuals, churches and corporate sponsorships. We receive some private grants as well. We do not receive money from the government or from the United Methodist Church. When you give to UMCOR, you are not giving to Mission Central because we are separately funded organizations.
Mission Central is an UMCOR Affiliate Warehouse. What does that mean?
Mission Central has committed to being a part of the UMCOR Relief Supply Network. There are eight warehouse in the relief supply network. UMCOR Sager Brown is the only warehouse owned, funded, and operated by UMCOR. We pledge to build, verify, collect, warehouse and ship UMCOR kits at our own expense. The network works together in times of disaster to resource kits. Mission Central is ready to send supplies where there is a need. Again, this is at our expense.
We are stronger together - if one of us is down, the others are there to help with supplies, but no money is exchanged. For example, during COVID, UMCOR Sager Brown closed in March 2020 and didn't reopen until June 2023. During that time, they sent some of the supplies they had on hand to our location since we remained open and continued to operate to keep up with the increased demand around the world and domestically. When supplies were completed, we would send them where inventory was needed.
When do UMCOR kits get sent?
When a request is put into UMCOR, the kits are sent. UMCOR kits are sent only within the U.S. and mostly in response to disasters.
What are UMCOR kits?
In 2018, UMCOR decreased to three kit types: Cleaning Kit (Flood Bucket), Hygiene Kit, and School Kit. At the end of 2023, they discontinued with the School Kit due to a lack of requests during a disaster. They instituted a disposable Feminine Hygiene Kit instead.
All other kits we talk about are Mission Central kits that we distribute both nationally and internationally. These are completely separate from UMCOR.
Who decides what is an UMCOR kit?
UMCOR decides what is in their kits and often works in collaboration with Church World Services. The items in these kits do not change and are not under our discretion.
Should I give money to Mission Central or UMCOR in a disaster?
During international disasters, UMCOR sends relief in the form of monetary grants. UMCOR no longer ships supplies internationally because shipping can be expensive and not as immediate. Because of the way UMCOR is set up, this is the best way for them to steward your donation.
Mission Central, alternately, ships supplies both in the U.S. and internationally because we do not pay for shipping. We work with partners to receive information on the requested items needed for a disaster. Many times, these are items they are unable to find near the disaster site. Mission Central lets you know what the needed items are, and you can purchase them or send monetary donations to us to facilitate this process.
If you want to give requested, needed supplies in a disaster, Mission Central is your choice - whether you want to donate supplies or money. If you want to assist in sending monetary help to the disaster, then give funds to UMCOR.
Every dollar donated to a disaster through Mission Central will be spent towards that disaster. We want to steward your resources well and make sure you are given the proper information to give where is most appropriate for you so that we can all work together to send hope and empowerment in times of crisis around the world and around the corner.
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