hurricane helene relief efforts:

As we all know, Helene made landfall in Florida late evening on September 26th as a very dangerous category 4 hurricane and the impact of Helene has been felt across multiple states, with our sisters and brothers in Western North Carolina suffering unpreceded levels of damage and loss.  With the storm surge, wind damage, and flooding, it is crucial to have the necessary resources to support the many communities that are affected. Helene caused devastating damage in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) is in communication with all affected presbyteries and National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to share information and coordinate resources as damage is assessed. PDA has deployed a National Response Team to Tampa Bay Presbytery, Presbytery of Western North Carolina, Northeast Georgia Presbytery and Holston Presbytery. We have approved several initial assistance grant requests and are anticipating additional requests from affected presbyteries to help respond to needs in their communities.

PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Relief) has long been an excellent long-term partner in addressing tragedy and national disasters on local, national, and global matters.  Not only are they our organization but supporting them ensures that all of the funds given will stay in the locally affected areas.  

After consultation with PDA, we are inviting you to join us in a two-pronged response to this tragedy.  First, for the next two Sundays we will be collecting a special offering for Hurricane Relief.  All of those funds will be distributed through PDA directly.  There will be envelopes marked ‘Hurricane Relief’ on the tables and in the pews the next two Sundays.  Additionally, any check can be marked ‘Hurricane Relief’ in the memo to be included.  Funds can also be given through the app and online by choosing ‘Hurricane Relief’ as the fund in the dropdown menu.

The second part of our effort will be to collect ‘Cleanup Buckets’.  These buckets are designed to provide for known needs in these situations.  PDA has already distributed 3000 of these in affected areas and are running very low on supplies.  You are invited to donate a completed bucket or any part of the supplies to make one.  The full list for the bucket is below.  We also invite you to stay tuned for opportunities to be part of a ‘packing party’ where we will assemble what we have collected to prepare for delivery.

Your generous gifts will bring hope and encouragement.  In this difficult time, we have the opportunity to be good neighbors to our sisters and brothers in need, sharing God’s love with them.

Thank you!  
In Christ,
Chip

Donate towards Clean Up buckets:

Give towards Hurricane Relief Efforts:

  • One five-gallon bucket with resealable lid (If reused, please scrub clean. Do not use a bucket that has held chemicals of any kind. No screw lid. Advertisement on the outside acceptable.)
  • One 4-8oz. pump spray air freshener
  • Five scouring pads (No stainless steel or pads with soap in them. Remove from packaging.)
  • Seven sponges, including one large
  • One scrub brush (With or without handle.)
  • 18 reusable, lightweight multipurpose dry-cleaning towels (No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels. Remove from packaging.)
  • One 32-64oz. or two 25oz. bottle(s) of liquid laundry detergent
  • One 16-34oz. bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap
  • One 12-40oz. bottle of liquid concentrate household cleaner that can be mixed with water (No spray bottles.)
  • One package of 36-50 clothespins
  • One 50-100ft. clothesline (Cotton or plastic line.)
  • Five dust masks (N95 particulate respirator dust masks preferred; No surgical masks.)
  • Two pairs of heavy-duty, waterproof dishwashing gloves (Latex-free, non-surgical. Durable for multiple use. Remove from packaging.)
  • One pair of work gloves (Cotton with leather palm or all leather.)
  • 20-28 heavy duty or contractor type 30–45-gallon trash bags on a roll (Remove from packaging.)
  • One 6-9oz. bottle of non-aerosol insect repellent (Pump spay bottles must have protective covers. Packs of 10-20 insect repellent wipes also acceptable.)
VALUE: $75
PROCESSING FEE: $3 per bucket

All cleaning items must be new, and all liquid items must be capped and securely tightened. Place all items into the bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Snap the lid on tight and seal with packing tape. Please do not enclose cash or checks inside of the kits or the boxes.
Select "Hurricane Relief" from the drop-down menu to give towards the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance organization special offering.