UMCOR DEPOT WEST VOLUNTEERS
ERT TRAINING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERNCE OPEN TO ALL
Early Response Team Training(ERT) - The Pacific Northwest Conference is working diligently to develop an active Early Response capability to compliment our Long Term Recovery activities following a natural disaster. If you are interested in joining this vital team, please consider attending the next ERT training.WhenMay 22, 2010 · 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
DEADLINE: Register by May 17, 2010ContactJim Truitt · (253) 630-1268 · jftruitt@comcast.net
OPERATION RESURRECTION 2010 MEETS IT HEALTH KIT GOAL
As Easter has passed, so has the deadline for Operation Resurrection 2010. One of 2010’s goals is to replenish 23,000 health kits that have been shipped to Haiti. The Rev. Brian Diggs serves as Director of UMCOR West Office and Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He has taken a quick break to update Channels readers on the status of the depot.
What is the current progress of UMCOR West Depot collection of Health Kits for Haiti?
UMCOR West and UMCOR Sager Brown have prepared over 100,000 health kits specifically for Haiti. Currently we are both in the process of restocking our shelves with Health Kits in anticipation of future shipments to Haiti as well as other places around the world.
Several unexpected natural disasters have occurred after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, including multiple earthquakes in Chile. Have these crises affected your goal in collecting health kits - or simply calling for aid - for Haiti?
Both UMCOR West and UMCOR Sager Brown have received countless health kits that we are processing. These donations will more than restock the health hits we have already sent out as well as supply us for future shipments to other areas of the globe.
How has the response to Haiti from our UMC (and other ecumenical/non-ecumenical organizations) been when collecting for Health kits?
The response has been incredible. Both UMCOR depots receive shipments daily. In fact, between the two sites we have received well over 400,000 kits. It is so wonderful to see United Methodists, other organizations, and countless individuals donate their time and resources for this invaluable ministry.
How close are you now to reaching the goal of replacing 23,000 health kits that were shipped to Haiti?
We are well beyond the 23,000. So far, we have received an estimated 40,000 kits here at UMCOR West since we sent out our Haiti shipment.
What insights have you gained since answering this call to Haiti Relief?
Quite simply I am amazed at the abundant generosity of the countless churches and individuals who have sent in supplies. Moreover, the number of people who volunteered at UMCOR West just after the Haiti earthquake was moving. We had well over 300 people who came to work during the time of the crisis. They put in well over a thousand hours and continue to want to come back to do more. It is a real testament to the faith of United Methodists and people of other faith traditions.
