Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief organization of The United Methodist Church. A part of Global Ministries, UMCOR works in more than 70 countries worldwide, including the United States and its territories, in the areas of disaster relief and recovery, migrant and refugee support, environmental sustainability, agriculture and food security. The organization’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering for all people.
United Methodists support UMCOR through their generous giving. Monies collected underwrite UMCOR’s “costs of doing business.” This helps UMCOR keep its promise that every gift to a specific UMCOR project will go 100% toward that project, not for administrative costs. UMCOR is historically one of the very first support organizations to arrive after a disaster occurs. DeBows normally raises funds for this during our winter “Spare Change Jar” campaign, that ends on UMCOR Sunday in March.
UMCOR HYGIENE KITS
DeBows also supports UMCOR via their Hygiene Kit program. We normally do this during July & August due to increased hurricane activity, but the need for kits is year-round. The Hygiene Kits we put together will be delivered to UMCOR for deployment to those most in need. The drop off area for completed kits and instructions on how to put it all together is located in the narthex.
NOTE: Along with collecting hygiene kits, we will also be accepting monetary donations. If you wish to donate, please mark clearly on your check or envelope that it is for UMCOR Hygiene Kits and place in the collection box. Each Hygiene Kit is valued at $12, but any and all donations will be greatly appreciated and will be sent to UMCOR along with the hygiene kits.
See below for a list of items needed to complete the Hygiene Kit. Please note, UMCOR has strict guidelines for items that make up a kit.
- All items must be new.
- Do not wash any of the items as they will no longer be considered new.
- Follow the list carefully; do not include any personal notes, money, or non-list items in the kits; they will be removed.
- Items for kits or the containers for the kit items should not be imprinted with cartoon characters, advertisements, religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols.
List of Hygiene Kit Items
One hand towel (15 x 25 –17 x 27 inches)
- No kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber towels
One washcloth
- No kitchen, cleaning, or microfiber cloths
One comb
- Must be sturdy with at least 6 inches of teeth
- No pocket combs or picks
- Rattail and combs without handles are acceptable, but must have at least 6 inches of teeth
One toenail or fingernail clipper
- No emery boards or metal nail files
Bath-size soap (3 oz. bar or larger)
- No Ivory or Jergens soap
- Do not remove from packaging
One adult toothbrush – NO TOOTHPASTE
- Do not remove from packaging
- Personal advertising not acceptable
10 adhesive bandages (¾ by 3 inches)
- Common household band-aids acceptable
Kit Assembly Instructions
- Use one one-gallon size resealable bag to hold kit items
- Lay hand towel flat on a table.
- Lay the washcloth in the center of the hand towel.
- Place all remaining items on top of the washcloth.
- Fold hand towel into square, holding other items, and then place in plastic bag and seal it.
- The hygiene kit is now ready to drop off at the church