So many people are in need of Jesus’ love and support, and we invite our entire church family to consider these many ways to truly help others in the midst of their story.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our community, nation, and world, now is a good time to help those in need through your donations and by volunteering time.
What better way to use the stimulus money you may have received and the extra time the Stay at Home order may be providing you. While there are many choices on how to contribute, we have provided a few to consider.
Here a list of recommended ways people from RRUMC can care for others who are especially impacted by the pandemic.
DONATIONS
The Greater Cleveland Rapid Response Fund was created by a coalition of philanthropic, corporate and civic partners to provide funds to nonprofit organizations addressing pandemic needs in our region. Grants are awarded weekly to where the need is greatest. More information on this Fund, the grants that have been awarded, and the way to donate online.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank continues to address the urgent need for food, including the many who have lost jobs. From their network of suppliers they can acquire surplus and discounted food at much reduced cost. They, in turn, supply this to individuals and the many schools, charities, and food pantries in the region. For every dollar contributed, they can acquire ten dollars worth of food, which is enough for four meals. As you may know, our church has supported the Food Bank for many years with volunteers who help sort and repack food at their warehouse near the East 152 St. exit off I-90. Because of the pandemic, they have greatly cut back their use of volunteers and are getting help from the Ohio National Guard. Until they resume normal operation, your donations will support their essential mission.
UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) is a global effort of the United Methodist Church to provide disaster response and sustainable development where it is most needed. This often comes in the form of natural disaster response. Right now, however, UMCOR is fully engaged in supporting efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and serve the needs of those most impacted by it. By giving to UMCOR’s COVID-19 Response Fund, you are: giving emergency food supplies, providing water and sanitation facilities, strengthening health care systems, responding to economic instability.
VOLUNTEER
The Red Cross urgently needs blood donors due to the cancellation of many blood drives recently. The Red Cross provides safe places to donate.
The food pantry at Nottingham UMC (18316 St. Clair, Cleveland 44110) needs help on Mondays or Fridays from 12 - 3 (or the occasional Thursday), carrying the food up the stairs for loading or packing the food (the pantry supplies are kept on the lower level). They are taking all precautions possible with social distancing, cleaning, limiting contact, etc. You can reach Rev. Gibbons at 216-513-9824, or Mark Young at 216-321-7811 if you are able to volunteer or would like more information.
During this time of uncertainty, Flat Rock Homes continues to care for our residents with 24 hour staff. It’s been a difficult time for residents as those with developmental and intellectual disabilities aren’t able to understand the changes not only in their daily routine, but also in addition to new staff we had to hire in order to care for them in new ways in order to keep them safe from the virus. Also they are quarantined from family and friends which we can all relate during this time, but for them their emotions and behaviors are escalated. During this time Flat Rock Homes is requesting cards with words of encouragement be sent to Flat Rock residents and the staff who have left their families to care for our residents. Cards would brighten their day and help pass the time as they look at the cards they receive. They have approximately 70 residents, so there’s no limit to the number of cards needed. If they are for staff, mark them “Attn: Staff Cards.” For Care Center individuals, mark them “Attn: FRCC Cards.” For Community Services individuals, mark them “Attn: FRCS Cards.” If you have a specific individual you’re sending them to, you can address them to that person. PLEASE SEAL ENVELOPES WITH TAPE, GLUE, OR A SPONGE! Mail cards to:
Flat Rock Homes Attn: (from above)
PO Box 1
Flat Rock, Ohio 44828