Helping Haiti

Compiled
Turley Publications

In response to the overwhelming need following the earthquake in Haiti, First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Brimfield is collecting donations to send hygiene kits to survivors. Each kit will contain these items: One hand towel measuring approximately 16" x 28" (no fingertip or bath towels), one washcloth, one wide-tooth comb, one nail clipper, one bar of soap (bath size in wrapper), one toothbrush (in original packaging), Six Band-Aids.
The items are placed in a gallon-sized freezer bag then shipped to Church World Service, a long established charitable outreach program supported by many church denominations.
Church World Service asks for a donation of $2 per kit to cover shipping costs.
The community is invited to join the congregation in assembling kits Sunday, Jan. 31 as part of the worship service at 10:30 a.m.
Each time there is a fifth Sunday in a month, the Brimfield church replaces the sermon with outreach actions. “Saint Francis said to preach always and use words when necessary. These Fifth Sunday actions are great sermons,” said the Rev. Ian Lynch, pastor of the church.
The community is invited to make donations of items, cash or both.
Donations may be left at the church Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
In addition, Feb. 16, from 5-8 p.m., the church will host a Pancake Supper Mardi Gras Celebration Fundraiser for Haiti Relief.
The event will have a variety of pancakes, lots of games for all ages including the traditional pancake toss and relay, kings cake, beads, music, etc.
The cost is $5 per person. All proceeds will be donated to Haiti Relief through the United Church of Christ.
For more information call Rev. Ian Lynch at the church office at (413) 245-7162 or Gina Lynch at (508) 932-1312.

Relief for Haiti earthquake victims

While the Salvation Army World Services Office mobilizes to respond to the devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake that shook Haiti Jan. 12, 2010, area Salvation Army chapters are channeling the local response to assist those in need.
For all those who wish to help the Salvation Army is not recruiting personnel to deploy to Haiti or accepting in-kind donations for earthquake victims. However, there are ways to assist those in need. The best way to help is to donate money.

Give On-Line: www.salvationarmyusa.org
Give by Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Give by Mail/Check:
The Salvation Army World Service Office
International Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 630728
Baltimore, MD 21263-0728

Designate checks and money orders to "Haiti Earthquake"
Money provides enormous flexibility to provide whatever is most needed and, in addition to the obvious needs for emergency mass care support, the nation will also need support long-term with reconstruction.