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Disaster Response: Updates, Needs, and Ways to Get Involved

RECENT DISASTERS AND CURRENT NEEDS OF DISASTER RESPONSE

When Disaster Strikes: How NALC Congregations Can Help

What should NALC pastors or congregation leaders do when a natural disaster, such as flooding, tornadoes, and fires, strikes in their community or in an area where the congregation is able to or desires to provide assistance?

Since the NALC is a small church with widespread congregations, it is important that you contact us as quickly as possible when a disaster occurs in your area.

First and foremost, if the disaster is close by, make sure you are safe.

Next, contact the NALC Disaster Response Coordinator, Mary Bates (740-509-1132; [email protected]) as quickly as possible so the prayer power of the NALC can be unleashed. Be sure to also contact your Mission District to see if your local NALC Disaster Response Team can provide assistance.

NALC Disaster Response has resources and capabilities to assist in early response and longer term recovery. We can open the gates to material resources, networking, counseling, training, and volunteers.

Remember, the key is early communication! The sooner we learn of a disaster in your area, the more quickly NALC Disaster Response can respond to the needs of your community.

Disaster Response Fund

The Disaster Response Fund provides resources for:

  • respond rapidly when domestic natural disasters occur
  • alleviate human suffering
  • provide transitional assistance
  • enable those affected to begin the rebuilding process

The NALC’s Disaster Response Coordinator administers the use of the fund, working cooperatively with and through local NALC congregations and members, as well as other compatible disaster relief organizations such as LCMS Disaster Response.

Donate online or mail checks payable to:

North American Lutheran Church
PO Box 860565
Minneapolis, MN 55486-0565

(Check Memo Line: “Disaster Response Fund”)

You can also donate to the Disaster Response Fund through Thrivent here.

Eligible clients of Thrivent can also direct Thrivent Choice Dollars®. You can find more information here.

Please note: This fund is for domestic disasters only. Gifts for international disaster relief may be directed to Lutheran World Relief, Water Mission, or the international relief organization of your choice.

Disaster Care Kits

Click button below to access the latest disaster kit content lists (flood buckets, health kits, school kits). Blankets, quilts, Bibles and gifts cards (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart) are always needed. Include items decorated with a U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols or references to the armed forces, religious symbols, messages or your group’s name. Add other items as God leads you.

How to pack your disaster kits:

  • Pack completed kits, like items together, in boxes. Label contents in LARGE, BLOCK LETTERS on the outside of the boxes.
  • Include the name and address of your group or congregation on each box with a label that says:  A PROJECT OF [church/group name and address]

Please send your kits, material goods and/or gift cards to:

NALC Disaster Warehouse
16500 Noble Ave.
Caldwell, Ohio 43724

Schedule a "Stuff the Truck" event

Contact Mary Bates to schedule a “Stuff the Truck” event in your Mission District and help fill the disaster warehouses!

All donations will be sent to the nearest Disaster Response Warehouse to help those in need.

Be Prepared

The DHS Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, a center of the White House Office of Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides resources to aid congregations in preparing their houses of worship for all hazards, including active shooter incidents.

Read January 2021 Update from Mary Bates, Disaster Response Coordinator