wfn.org | Volunteer need continues for Floyd recovery

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Aug. 4, 2000 News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York
10-71B{360}

By United Methodist News Service

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Floyd approaches, United Methodist
disaster coordinators continue to schedule volunteer teams to assist with
the long-term recovery.

The Rev. Frank Jennings, coordinator for the Virginia Annual (regional)
Conference, said he is booking teams into the fall months and will schedule
even later than that, contingent upon the release of additional funds from
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Hurricane Floyd dropped 21 inches of rain on parts of the state on Sept. 16
and 17. Between then and July, Virginia United Methodist Disaster Relief
directed the work of about 4,339 volunteers. 

"We have rebuilt 43 houses directly with volunteer help and are presently
working in another 17," Jennings said. "In addition to that, we are
assisting with vouchers for materials for another 13 homes."

The volunteers work in the area of Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton and
Suffolk. Unskilled workers are welcome, but those with special skills, such
as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and painters, are especially needed.
Potential volunteers should call (888) 862-8488 or send an e-mail message to
UMDP@cs.com.

Fall volunteer teams also are being scheduled in North Carolina. So far,
more than 10,000 volunteers have rebuilt 307 homes in the state, according
to the Rev. Butch Huffman, director of volunteers in mission for the North
Carolina Conference. More information is available by calling (800)
849-4433, Ext. 312, or by sending an e-mail to ral-disaster@nccumc.org.

The Western North Carolina Conference is continuing its work in the
Tarboro/Princeville/Rocky Mount area. In addition to making repairs, Western
North Carolina volunteer teams are building new homes, with at least 17
scheduled so far. Volunteers can call (800) 790-7773.

General information also is available through the Volunteer Line of the
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at (800) 918-3100.

Donations for Hurricane Floyd relief can be made through UMCOR, designated
to Advance No. 982460-1. Checks can be dropped in church collection plates
or mailed to UMCOR at 475 Riverside Drive, Room 330, New York, NY 10115.
Credit-card donations can be made by calling (800) 554-8583.
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United Methodist News Service
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