Disaster Response

Both UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) and our own MERCI Center in Goldsboro are on the move, helping hurricane victims in recover.

As we watch the flood waters of Harvey recede and wait for Irma to strike, I challenge you to respond faithfully and generously. Here's what you can do today:

1. Collect Items for Cleaning Buckets. See the list below. These kits enable people to begin the overwhelming task of cleaning up after a hurricane. We will collect them at the church until Saturday, October 7th.

2. Volunteer at the MERCI Center. We will take the supplies we have collected to the MERCI Center in Goldsboro on Saturday, October 7th, where we will put the Cleaning Buckets together and serve in other ways, as needed. See https://nccumc.org/outreach/2017/08/merci-offers-hands-response-hurricane-harvey/for more information.

3. Give generously. Financial donations to UMCOR are the easiest and best way to make an immediate difference in these first days and months.Go to http://www.umcor.org/ to learn more about the UMCOR response and to give online (donate to US Disaster Response #901670). Be sure to designate Saxapahaw United Methodist Church.

4. Pray. God hears our prayers. The people we are praying for need to know they are not alone.

Cleaning Kit Supplies

These supplies enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood or hurricane. Purchase what you can. Purchase in bulk. Bring them to the church. We'll take everything we collect to the MERCI Center on Saturday, October 7th where we will put them together.

· 1 5-Gallon bucket with resealable lid

• Buckets from fast-food restaurants or bakeries can be used if washed and cleaned

• Do not use buckets that have stored chemicals such as paint or pool cleaner

• Advertisements on the outside are acceptable

· Liquid laundry detergent

• One 50-oz. or two 25-oz. bottle(s) only

· Liquid household cleaner

• 12-16 oz. liquid cleaner that can be mixed with water

• No spray cleaners

· Dish soap

• 16-28 oz. bottle, any brand

· 50 Clothespins

· Clothesline

• One 100-ft. or two 50-ft. lines

• Cotton or plastic

· 7 Sponges

• No cellulose sponges due to mold issues

• Remove from packaging

· 24-Roll heavy-duty trash bags

• 33-45 gallon sizes

• Remove from the box

· 18 Cleaning wipes

• Handi-wipes or reusable wipes

• No terry cleaning towels

• Remove from packaging

· 1 Can air freshener

• Aerosol or pump

· 1 Insect-repellant spray

• 6-14 oz. aerosol or spray pump with protective cover

· 2 Pairs kitchen dishwashing gloves

• Should be durable enough for multiple uses

• Remove from packaging

· 1 Pair work gloves

• All Cotton

• All Leather

• Cotton with Leather Palm

· 5 Scouring pads

• Remove from wrapper

• No stainless steel, Brillo pads or SOS pads (nothing with soap built in)

· 1 Scrub brush

• Plastic or wood handle

· 5 Dust masks

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