Dear St. Alban’s,
Our neighbors need us. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene weighs heavy on all our hearts, and many of us have family and friends directly impacted by the catastrophic flooding in the western part of our state. We are shocked, distressed, and overwhelmed by the stories and images that we are beginning to process.
While we are developing plans for the help and support that will be needed for many months to come, we encourage your immediate response in these ways:
First, PRAY!
Your prayers matter. Ask for God to comfort and abide with those who are suffering. Ask God to protect those who are working to rescue others and restore critical infrastructure. Ask God to help us all respond with as much compassion and generosity as we can muster.
Next, GIVE!
Episcopal Relief & Development is already at work offering critical aid. They have significant experience working in disaster zones and are known as one of the very best relief organizations. You can contribute financially here. Select “ERD – Hurricane Helene” from the drop-down menu.
Finally, for those who are able, SERVE!
Today, we are sharing two options for folks to offer hands-on help:
Our friends at Davidson United Methodist Church are inviting people to assemble “flood buckets” for people who will need to clean up their homes, churches, businesses, etc. If you would like to assemble a bucket, see the list below. Completed buckets can be brought to the church on Saturday during Oktoberfest or Sunday morning.
Operation Air-Drop is currently registering and dispatching volunteer pilots with their own planes out of Concord Padgett Regional Airport. Donations of relief supplies are being accepted in the Walmart Parking lot near Concord Mills. For those interested in flying or volunteering, find complete information about Operation Airdrop.
*Update: Operation Airdrop will stop accepting donations at their Concord location at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3.
As we learn of additional opportunities for supporting our neighbors, we will share them with you.
Yours in Christ,
St. Alban’s Clergy
Hurricane Helene Response
Flood Bucket Supply List and Instructions
Flood Bucket Materials
One five-gallon round bucket with lid (14.35” h x 12.19” w x 12.19” d)
No screw lids.
May be used, but must be free from all residual product.
Advertisement on the outside acceptable.
One 32–64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent
One 16–40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner
No spray cleaners
One 16–34 oz. bottle liquid dish soap
One 4–8 oz. pump spray air freshener
One 6–14 oz. pump spray insect repellant (pack of 10–20 wipes also acceptable)
Pump spray bottles must have protective covers.
One scrub brush
With or without handle
18 re-usable cleaning wipes
No terrycloth, microfiber, or paper towels
Remove from packaging.
Five scouring pads
No stainless steel or pads with soap in them
Remove from packaging.
36–50 clothespins
One 50–100 ft. clothesline (cotton or plastic line)
24 roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33–45-gallon sizes)
Remove from packaging.
Five N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1–3 mm thickness)
No surgical masks
Two pairs kitchen gloves
Durable for multiple uses
Remove from packaging.
One pair work gloves
Cotton with leather palm or all leather
Assembly Directions
Place all liquid items on the bottom of the bucket.
Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around and between the liquid items.
Scouring pads and trash bags can be separated to fit all items in the bucket.
Clothespins may also be placed in a small re-sealable bag.
Secure the lid on the filled bucket.
Important Notes
All items must be new except for the bucket and lid.
All cleaning agents must be in liquid form. No powders are accepted.
If items have been omitted, label bucket. Please indicate which items are missing.
Sponges have been removed from the list of supplies due to the challenge of locating the noncellulose sponges that prevent mildew. Non-cellulose sponges will be added to each bucket upon arrival at the affiliate warehouse.
Do not include any personal notes, money, or additional materials in the kits.
Contents of kits or the containers of kits should not be imprinted with cartoon characters,
advertisements, religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols.
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