A 7.0 earthquake that occurred last Tuesday, followed by dozens of aftershocks, have left Haiti devastated.
The death toll is estimated by Reuters to be as high as 200,000, with countless Haitians left homeless and injured.
Numerous international aid organizations are sending personnel and resources and raising funds, and US officials are working to get relief to the Haitians.
The UMCOR, the not-for-profit global humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church, works in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States. Its mission is to alleviate human suffering – whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster, with open hearts and minds to all people.
Every dollar given to UMCOR goes to the designated program; administrative costs are born by general funds of the church.
Gifts to support UMCOR's Haiti Relief efforts can be made online at the UMCOR Web site, http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ , by specifying Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325. Checks can be made to UMCOR with Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency in the memo line and mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087.
In addition to special collections from church members, each church will accept funds from the community as well.
There are seven United Methodist churches in Lake County located in Upper Lake, Clearlake Oaks, Clearlake, Lower Lake, Middletown, Kelseyville and as part of the United Christian Parish in Lakeport. The Kelseyville Church will have a collection jar available at the thrift shop each Monday.
Checks can be dropped off or mailed to any local United Methodist Church or can be placed in the church's offering plate (make check payable to the local church with UMCOR Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency noted in the memo line).
For more about the UMCOR visit http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/newsroom/releases/archives2010/umcorrespondstohaiti/ .
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