Appeal Update: Early 2013 Storms, Floods and Tornadoes (US)

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Appeal: # 627-X Appeal goal: $25,000 Situation: Severe weather April 10-13 brought high winds, heavy rains and tornadoes to states in the U.S. Midwest and South.  States affected include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Additionally, a strong winter storm continued to bring heavy snow, hail and freezing rain to the Upper Midwest. The states affected …

Thai-Burma Border Refugee Camp Fire

News & Updates | Posted Thursday, April 4, 2013

Appeal# 700-F Appeal Goal: $40,000 Situation Thirty-six people died in a fire that broke out March 22 in the Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. The fire swept through two sections of the camp destroying nearly everything; the fire was caused by a cooking accident. The victims reportedly included children, elderly and the disabled, who …

Sometimes a Blanket is About More Than Just Providing Warmth

News & Updates | Posted Monday, April 1, 2013

Sometimes a blanket is about more than just providing warmth – they provide comfort. This is my favorite blanket. I lost my dad in 2004 and my friend had this quilt made out of his jeans for me. This blanket provides me with warmth plus so much more! Please support the CWS Blankets+ Program and help us provide warmth and …

CWS Appeal: Early 2013 Storms, Floods and Tornadoes (US)

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Appeal # 627 X Appeal goal: $25,000 Situation: As harsh weather swept across large areas of the United States during the first several months of 2013, it inflicted particularly severe damage on several scattered U.S. communities. In late January (29-30), multiple tornadoes caused significant damage when they struck six counties in Georgia. Hardest hit were Bartow and Gordon counties, where …

Syracuse UMC congregation extends friendship, support to refugees

News & Updates | Posted Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Everybody can do something to welcome refugees resettling in U.S. communities.  Setting an excellent example is Christ United Methodist Church in Syracuse, N.Y. Since 2002, the church’s all-volunteer Refugee Resettlement Mission project has been extending friendship and practical assistance to refugees living in the city’s Northside community. Most are from Burma, but the church’s outreach also touches refugees from Bhutan, …

Heartfelt Help

News & Updates | Posted Thursday, March 21, 2013

Often, the first thing CWS provides in an emergency is a blanket for warmth, comfort, and sometimes, even shelter. But as needs change, other things are required – tents, food, water, and the tools and materials to rebuild. That’s why it’s called Blankets+, and it’s a great way for our congregation to provide essential aid to victims of disasters, seeds …

Superstorm Sandy: CWS partner response

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Situation: Response operations continue for Superstorm Sandy.  The unmet needs of many at-risk populations are estimated at over $2 billion.  People are beginning rebuilding and repairs, but the bulk of the reconstruction will not start until long-term recovery organizations are up and running to manage the activities.  See Part One – CWS Response for a full situation update. CWS participating …

Superstorm Sandy 2012 (U.S.) CWS response

News & Updates | Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Appeal # 627 W Appeal goal: $618,000 Funds received as of 02/28/13: $588,290 Part one: CWS response (See also Part Two – Partner Response by Denominations/Communions) Situation: Response operations continue for Superstorm Sandy. Many homes still require debris removal and temporary repairs before they can be reoccupied.  This work will continue throughout the spring and into early summer. According to …

It isn’t sexy work – but it needs to get done

News & Updates | Posted Friday, February 15, 2013

Sometimes it takes an outsider to help you say what you want to say. For years, those of us involved in our emergency response work have struggled with “the message” of what we do in the United States. It’s been a struggle because it isn’t sexy work; it’s long and drawn out, and the fruit it bears can take years. …

CWS Appeal Update: Hurricane Isaac and Late Summer Storms 2012

News & Updates | Posted Monday, February 4, 2013

Appeal # 627-V update CWS appeal goal: $100,000 (unchanged) Funds received: $32,000 Funds received: $37,000 (estimated) Situation: Hurricane Isaac was a slow moving storm that took eight lives and caused an estimated $2 billion in damage in September 2012. It affected Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama in September 2012, Mississippi and Louisiana were again affected in December by severe storms …