Dear Christ Church Community,
Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact has been felt across much of the United States, including a large portion of our Diocese and our own community as well. I hope and pray that you and your loved ones are safe and well during this challenging time. If you are experiencing hardship or need help of any kind, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or one of our clergy.
Many have asked about how they can be of help to others, especially to our Georgia neighbors. The Rev. Porter Taylor, Rector of Good Shepherd, Augusta, has named the Augusta community was hit particularly hard, as the entire city is without water and most is without power as well. Their most immediate needs are:
- VISA gift cards (This is the number one need! These provide people with the dignity of choice and can be used for gas, food, restaurants, bills, insurance deductibles, etc.)
- Water and Gatorade
- Plastic utensils, paper products
- Multi-packs of t-shirts (all sizes) and underwear while so many are without laundry services
- Personal hygiene products (tooth brushes, hair care, soap)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Ensure
- Safety goggles
- Generators
- Tarps
- Batteries
- Solar powered lighting/flashlights
Diana McGaw, Christ Church member and former member of Church of the Good Shepherd, will be loading her Sprinter van to deliver supplies on Friday. You can drop off supplies at Christ Church this week; the church will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday. Please also feel free to use the church at these times to enjoy air conditioning and charge devices!
An additional drop off location is at 3912 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31405, available from 9–5 until Thursday. For more information, please contact our office.
Additionally, proceeds from this week's Mid-Day Music concert at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday will go to benefit relief efforts in Augusta.
You can also donate directly to the Bishop’s Fund for Disaster Relief. Donations can be sent by check to the diocesan office (18 E. 34th Street Savannah, Georgia 31401) or by texting "EDOG Relief" to 73256 or by clicking this link for the Realm giving portal.
Another way to provide aid across the Diocese is to give to Episcopal Relief and Development. ERD provides grants to dioceses to help them send direct aid to the most vulnerable in their communities impacted by this disaster. Donations can be sent to ERD’s Hurricane Relief fund by clicking here.
Peace be with you,
Cathy
A Prayer in Time of Natural Disaster
O God, our times are in your hand. In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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