Responding to Disaster

We all remember what happened when a Hurricane named Helene came to town. Our community endured heavy winds, rains, and many fallen trees, all which knocked out power for days within our surrounding area. Yet, by God’s grace, our normal routine has been restored. Folks in the mountains have not been so fortunate.
As we all know, Helene brought devastation to millions of people in the hills of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. In some instances, complete communities have been swept away by flash floods and mud slides. As a congregation in the North American Lutheran Church, we have been asked to assist in relief efforts, giving aid to people who have lost so much. It has been a tall order, but with God’s help we seem to be up to the task.
The response from our church family has been tremendous. Your generosity and willingness to share with your neighbors has been a blessing. From the beginning of October through October 11th, an avalanche of relief supplies fell upon our Fellowship Hall and Disaster Response Shed. Flood Buckets, Health Kits, clothing, food, hygiene products, and even pet foods were collected and sent to Western North Carolina.
Thank you to all who donated, volunteered, or simply prayed for our neighbors’ recovery. The recovery effort is not yet complete and won’t be for quite some time. The needs in the Mountain communities seem to change day by day. NALC Disaster Response is able to organize mission trips for groups or individuals who would like to volunteer in the clean up and rebuilding efforts. Anyone who is interested in participating in such efforts should contact the church office for further information.
Our Disaster Response Shed is in need of re-supply. You can help by putting together Health Kits or Flood Buckets. See the list included in this newsletter for packing directions for each kit. Your completed kits may be placed on the stage in the Fellowship Hall and will be moved into our Disaster Response Shed.

Flood Buckets

• 1 five-gallon bucket with lid
• 1 jug bleach (1/2 gal. or smaller)
• 2 large trash bags (Contractor 3 mil)
• 1 roll paper towels
• 2 rags
• Comet or scouring cleanser
• Pine Sol or liquid cleaner
• scrub brush
• gloves, 1 pair each, size L preferred
  • rubber (reusable, i.e. Platex, dishwashing type)
  • leather
  • cotton

Health Care Kit (Pack in 2-gallon plastic storage bag or tote bag)

• 1 bath towel
• 1 wash cloth (optional)
• 1 shampoo (2 if travel size)
• 1 bar of soap (2 if travel size)
• 1 toothbrush (individually sealed)
• 1 pack of floss (optional)
• 1 toothpaste (2 if travel size)
• 1 comb
• 1 deodorant
• 1 nail clippers (optional)