wfn.org | PRESBYTERIANS DONATE MORE THAN $200,000

[PCUSA_NEWS@ecunet.org]

29-Jun-95

95228        PRESBYTERIANS DONATE MORE THAN $200,000 
             TO OKLAHOMA CITY DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS 
 
                          by Alexa Smith 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--More than $235,000 has been given by Presbyterians toward 
humanitarian assistance in Oklahoma City, according to accounts here and in 
Indian Nations Presbytery. 
 
     "We consider that an excellent response," said Stan E. Hankins, 
Presbyterian World Service associate for U.S.A. disaster response.  "And 
that's just the monetary response ... not including the prayers, letters 
and other gifts." 
 
     The presbytery's disaster response team in Oklahoma City began setting 
priorities June 27 to distribute the money, according to Carolyn Stephens, 
Indian Nations Presbytery executive. 
 
     To date, Stephens says, priorities are as follows: 
 
     1.  An immediate gift of $2,000 will be made to Presbyterian next of 
kin of eight persons who died in the bombing. 
      
     2.  The Interfaith Disaster Recovery Network of Greater Oklahoma City 
will receive ongoing support to meet needs not covered by government or 
social service agencies. 
 
     3.  Presbytery mission projects, like its Urban Mission downtown, 
which are handling increased client loads, will be monitored on a regular 
basis for increased assistance. 
 
     "People over property needs" is how Stephens described the group's 
focus.  She said, too, that some administrative costs are coming out of 
donations for such expenses as copying and postage. 
 
     The Indian Nations Presbytery account currently holds $60,252, while 
the Louisville account has $175,447. 
 
     Hankins said the One Great Hour of Sharing account will be reimbursed 
$30,000 for initial disaster relief dollars sent to Oklahoma City.  "It's a 
matter now of determining the remaining needs and how best to meet them," 
he said, adding all donated funds will be distributed in Oklahoma City. 
 
     Checks for Presbyterian World Service Oklahoma City relief should be 
marked  "Oklahoma City Bombing, #9-2000120," and should be mailed to 
Central Receiving, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396.  The 
presbytery account address is: 1001 Northwest 25th St., Suite 206, Oklahoma 
City, OK  73106-5666. 
 
 

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For more information contact Presbyterian News Service
  Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louisville, KY 40202
  phone 502-569-5504            fax 502-569-8073  
  E-mail PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org   Web page: http://www.pcusa.org 

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