wfn.org | UMCOR working with ACT on Turkey earthquake relief

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

Sept. 2, 1999 News media contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York
10-71B{445}

By United Methodist News Service

The United Methodist response to relief efforts for victims of the Aug. 17
earthquake in Turkey is being channeled through Action by Churches Together
(ACT), the relief and development arm of the World Council of Churches.

ACT members - including the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) -
have joined with other groups to form the Christian Churches in Turkey
Steering Committee for Disaster Relief.

ACT is assisting victims in Izmit, the city at the epicenter of the quake,
and in villages above Adapazari. In Izmit itself, ACT will set up temporary
shelter for 500 families on land provided by the city. Winterized tents with
heating stoves and basic necessities will be provided. All materials will be
purchased locally - to bolster the economy - except for the tents, which
come from Norway.

Tents and other supplies also will be provided in the villages where people
have been living in makeshift shelters covered with plastic sheets or
canvas.

Financial contributions can be made payable to UMCOR Advance No. 675205-6
and dropped in church collection plates or mailed directly to 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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(615)742-5472