First Church Family:
I remember growing up that we looked for the first frost around October 15, and by golly that still seems to be pretty close. Cooler weather has arrived.
Thank you for your responses to the needs of those who were devasted by Helene. We have delivered goods, and received offerings totaling more than $10,000 for relief. Those monies, and any additional ones, will go straight to families in western North Carolina who are in need.
But now, the recovery process moves from rescue to relief. Our District Supt. Lory Beth Huffman writes:
“While the need for some of the essential items has slowed down, there are some communities that are going to need these resources for a while so we will continue to share what we have stored on hand when the sites need them. And if we need to collect more items later, we will let you know!
The biggest thing we are working to support our communities for now is preparing for the cold weather. Snow arrived in TN at the NC/TN border where we are assisting this week and it will just be a matter of days before it hits our area of WNC.
Below are the items we are collecting.”
Collection Items:
-Down Jackets – NEW
-Mr. Buddy Heaters (work off 1 pound propane cans)
-Propane cans
-Stove top cookers or tabletop grills
-Charcoal
-Batteries
-NEW Warm gloves, hats
-NEW blankets or sleeping bags
At FUMC, we will receive your donations of those things, and see that they are delivered to UMC staging sites.
Also, there is an urgent need for individuals to canvass door to door in Mitchell/Avery/Watauga County areas to help assess needs. This is not for the faint at heart but a very interesting opportunity for those who have availability and capacity.
If you are interested, contact our church to receive the details. Canvassers will not be staying onsite. Roads are passable, allowing volunteers to come and go each day.
Our church will be looking at ways to provide sustenance for those recovering by providing meals. Further details will be shared soon.
Once again, we will continue to receive monetary gifts, which will be made available immediately to help those in need.
FUMC is a leader in mission support in our whole county. Thank you for your time, gifts, and prayers for those who suffer.
In service to those for whom Christ died,
Pastor Dave