The needs of so many are in the news right now, from earthquakes devastating homes and villages in Haiti, refugees coming to the U.S. from Afghanistan, and hurricane damage in Louisiana. The Outreach Ministry Team is looking for ways to help those in need and currently have found the following avenues. If you feel called to help, or hear of additional needs or ways to help, please reach out to one of the Outreach Deacons, Kathy Hostetler, Kris South, or Gina Ahern. We will also pass along any news we receive of coordinated efforts from the Presbyterian Church at large.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the emergency and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. The core budget, including staff and administrative costs, is funded through the One Great Hour of Sharing, and its program work is additionally funded through designated gifts. To find out more about what they do, and to make a donation, please go to https://pda.pcusa.org/
HAITI
Michael Anello, the executive director of our long-term partner, Haiti Reforestation Partnership, is helping deliver medical and relief supplies to several remote villages that aren’t immediately receiving foreign aid. If you would like to give to HRP to help with his efforts, please donate HERE.
AFGHANISTAN REFUGEES
For anyone wishing to help our brothers and sisters coming to America from Afghanistan, local funeral homes are receiving donations of: personal hygiene products; travel kits for both men and women; snacks that are manufacturer wrapped; games, puzzles, coloring books and toys for children.
Local donation sites are Woody Funeral Homes:
1771 N. Parham Road, Henrico
1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian
9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville
Monetary donations may be sent to The Islamic Center of Virginia through their website: icva1.com
LOUISIANA
There are numerous relief agencies accepting donations to help the hurricane victims. Click HERE for a listing we found on the internet.
Once the damage has been accessed, we may gauge interest in sending a mission team to help with the recovery. If you are interested in learning more about a mission trip, please contact one of the Outreach deacons.
