Give to Disaster Relief--2012 Superstorm (Sandy)
Your faithful giving is greatly appreciated
Situation report Update
Northeast (Sandy)
November 9, 2012
PDA has continued providing help and hope for the survivors of Hurricane Sandy over the past couple of weeks. Twenty-seven members of the National Response Team are working with mid-councils in New York and New Jersey helping them organize their response, assisting in the assessment of damages(both in the community and to Presbyterian churches), assessing potential sites to host volunteer work teams, and providing spiritual and emotional care for Presbyterian leaders.
The Committee Chairs of the three One Great Hour of Sharing programs have sent a joint letter to each NRT member thanking them and offering prayers for their service, and reminding them that the Presbyterian Hunger Program and the Self Development of People Committee are available to join the efforts of the PDA in the long-term recovery of the area.
One Great Hour of Sharing funds have been sent to help mid-councils as they help their congregations respond to the vast needs. Initial funds are helping with immediate needs but we know that the response to the disaster will be huge and long-term; we trust that sufficient designated funds will be received that will enable us to serve all nine mid-councils that have been affected.
A list of churches that we know have been damaged is available to download. We offer our prayers and support to these congregations. We are thankful that some Presbyterian churches have suffered little damage and have power and give thanks that many of these churches are serving as shelters, food banks and other relief locations.
In the coming weeks, PDA will continue to monitor the recovery effort in all of the 17 affected states and international countries that have been impacted by Sandy.
PDA thanks the many people who have shared their financial blessing, have made Gift-of-the-Heart kits, and have contacted the National Call Center to let us know you are willing to serve in the clean-up and rebuilding efforts when possible.
We want to urge people not to send unsolicited items like food and clothing, as many organizations do not have the extra personnel to receive, organize and distribute such donations. We also urge volunteers to not travel to the East Coast unless they are part of a solicited emergency volunteer group as this will put undue stress on communities already struggling with power loss, gasoline rationing, and displaced families. The PDA National Call Center will accept your calls indicating your interest and we will post volunteer work team opportunities as they become available.
