Wesleyans are joining together to serve those affected by Hurricane Sandy's devastation in the greater New York City area.
The main items needed for relief efforts are people and money and supplies including: bottled water, blankets, winter coats, and nonperishable food such as boxed cereal, crackers, granola, fruit bars, peanut butter, and trail mix. Also needed are diapers, wipes, formula, flashlights, batteries, and quantities of bleach to fight mold, Other than winter coats, no clothing is needed at this time.
Items can be delivered or sent c/o Pastor Anthony Graham to the New Hope Family Worship Center (Wesleyan Church), 817 Livonia Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11207-5621. Ph: (718) 342-1305. enywc@verizon.net. Pastor Graham’s direct email address is anthonyny3@aol.com. The New Hope church also has lodging facilities with showers, etc., to house large teams of workers and invites churches to bring teams, which will continue to be needed. Contact Pastor Graham when you are arranging your schedule.
Supplies may also be delivered to locations in New Jersey. Contact District Superintendent Rev. Karl Eastlack (ph:610-366-0310) or point man Rev. Ed Torres (ph: 908-442-4273). Supplies will be delivered to hurting people by Wesleyan churches as fast as they arrive, and the need is great.
Interim coordination of relief efforts from The Wesleyan Church has resulted in many volunteers giving help at Rockaway Peninsula on Long Island (Queens), N.Y. A steady stream of volunteers has now been serving meals and supplies to New Yorkers whose homes have endured flooding or lack of electricity. Electricity in the area still has not been restored in many places and water and gasoline supplies are scarce.
Wesleyans and Nazarenes are also working in cooperation with volunteers from Northland Church in Longwood, Fla., which has provided a trailer that serves as a portable kitchen unit that can provide up to 4,000 hot meals daily when fully functional.
Churches, members, and pastors across The Wesleyan Church have been seeking information on how they can donate financially, provide needed supplies, or send teams to assist. Wesleyan churches from Michigan, South Dakota, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and others have requested information on how to donate needed supplies or send teams.
Forestville Wesleyan Church in Forestville, N.Y., is a relatively smaller church of 60 people, and yet the church has responded mightily. They operate a food pantry on a regular basis, so giving food and supplies was an easy decision for them. Pastor Bruce Ellis reported that a gentleman from his church volunteered to drive his loaded semi truck to New York City, directly to where the food and supplies are most needed. Four school districts, community organizations, the local fire department, and non-Wesleyan and Wesleyan churches (including Levant Wesleyan Church, Peace Wesleyan Church, and Nunda Wesleyan Church—all in Western New York District), have all been part of the collection process.
The full semi delivered its precious carge to New York City Thursday night. Houghton College students and staff helped church staff and volunteers load the truck.
Prayers and help are needed; many are still without power and are trying to live in the cold. Winter Storm Athena brought heavy snow to the region, adding to the distress of those without power.
Funds to carry out disaster relief continue to be greatly needed. 100% of these funds go directly to the relief efforts on the scene. To give to the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund, click here.
If you have questions or need additional information, please e-mail communications@wesleyan.org or call 317.774.7907. Visit Wesleyan.org for updated news.