Update on Sept. 11: Holston churches continue to collect Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits to aid regions affected by Hurricane Harvey, followed by Hurricane Irma in Cuba and Florida.

Holston members are encouraged to give to UMCOR by writing checks to their local churches with "Disaster Response, Advance #901670" on the memo line. Another option is to give online.

See also: UMCOR prepares for Irma.

ALCOA, Tenn. (Aug. 27, 2017) -- United Methodist churches in Holston Conference will collect cleaning supplies and hygiene items to help regions affected by Hurricane Harvey followed by Hurricane survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has requested Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits as southeastern Texas braces for days of catastrophic flooding from unrelenting rain, the remnants of Harvey.

The hurricane and tropical storm are blamed for displacing thousands of people and killing at least 60 (as of Sept. 4). Authorities expect the toll to rise as rescue efforts continue and rain and floodwaters threaten.  

Jim Fetzer, Holston disaster response coordinator, said that churches should follow UMCOR's instructions for assembling the needed supplies and deliver the kits to their district offices by Sept. 12.

Instructions for Cleaning Buckets and Health Kits are provided on UMCOR's website.

United Methodists are also encouraged to assist UMCOR by writing checks to their local churches with "UMCOR, Disaster Response #901670" on the memo line or by giving online at UMCOR.org.

For more information, contact your district office or Rev. Mike Sluder, director of connectional ministries, at mikesluder@holston.org

Dowload bulletin insert with this information.

Register for basic Early Response training.

See also:
UMCOR prepares for Tropical Storm Harvey

Local media shares Holston's reponse to Harvey