wfn.org | Technology Utilized to Increase Relief Donations

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19-November-1998 
98381 
 
    Technology Utilized to Increase Relief Donations 
 
    by Evan Silverstein 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-It was Mother Nature that  pummeled Central America to the 
ground, but it's technology that will help lift the hurricane-ravaged 
region from the ashes. 
 
    Both the information superhighway and the telephone have played 
significant roles in helping Presbyterian disaster officials reach donors 
and raise relief funds for victims of Hurricane Mitch. In all, donations 
totaling $52,745 have been pledged through the Presbyterian Disaster 
Assistance Web site and the PresbyTel phone lines. 
 
    This represents the first time both mediums have been used as major 
fund-raising vehicles during a natural disaster. 
 
    "It helps immensely. It helps us get funds. It helps us communicate," 
said Susan Ryan, director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). "We've 
been very pleased with the response" from the Internet and via PresbyTel. 
 
    Accepting VISA or MasterCard, PresbyTel so far has received $41,205 in 
donations. The Disaster Assistance Web site has handled $11,540 in 
contributions, according to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Central 
Receiving Service. Donations pledged through PresbyTel have ranged from 
$20,000 (the largest) to an average of $50 to $100. Several $1,000 
donations have been called in as well. 
 
    Overall, $153,500 has been raised for Hurricane Mitch relief work, 
according to Ryan, including $100,000 from the denomination's One Great 
Hour of Sharing program. 
 
    More than 10,000 people have died in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and 
El Salvador as a result of last month's Category 5 storm, which also 
displaced millions. 
 
    "We have all been shocked by the horrible tragedy in Latin America. 
Our hearts and prayers go out to our sisters and brothers there," said 
General Assembly moderator the Rev. Douglas Oldenburg. "I urge all 
Presbyterians to express our solidarity with and compassion for those who 
are suffering in Central America by contributing generously to the relief 
efforts." 
 
    Presbyterian Web sites are inundated with pictures and descriptions of 
the suffering in Central America and urging contributions. Apparently it's 
working. 
 
    E-mail from those requesting information on helping or donating to 
relief efforts continuously jams electronic mailboxes of computers at the 
PDA office. The lines of PresbyTel continue to light up. 
 
    "I think it's a wonderful idea. Those who have made credit card 
donations are delighted with it,"  PresbyTel consultant Edie Sutton said 
after taking a credit card donation. "It makes it just that much easier for 
them - quicker - and they can do it while they're thinking about it." 
 
    PresbyTel was established more than 10 years ago, according to Edna 
Sinnock, associate for churchwide information services. Sinnock said she 
believes use of the Internet and PresbyTel "keeps the event in front of 
people. Once the national news media start forgetting about something, so 
do others." 
 
    The PC(USA) is working through its own channels as well as through 
ecumenical agencies such as Church World Service - the relief arm of the 
National Council of Churches, headquartered in New York. Netting donations 
hinges on spreading the word  fast to those willing to help and on reaching 
the largest audience possible, Ryan said. To help facilitate the rapid 
assimilation of information, disaster officials continue compiling a 
growing list of e-mail addresses of  hundreds of Presbyterians, 
congregations and religion news editors, among others, Ryan said. 
 
    "It's good stewardship for this office," Ryan said. "The more we can 
connect people electronically, the more money is left for programs." 
 
    To make a donation call PresbyTel at 1-800-872-3283 or visit the PDA 
Web site at http://www.pcusa.org/pda 

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