The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the not-for-profit humanitarian agency of The United Methodist Church. Since 1940 UMCOR’s mission — providing relief in disaster areas, aiding refugees and confronting the challenge of world hunger and poverty — has helped to heal the hurts of humanity in nearly 100 countries.
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 also supports UMCOR via their Hygiene Kit program. This often happens during July & August due to increased hurricane activity — monitor the church website and newsletter for details.
Our UMCOR Hygiene Kit outreach activity helps to meet the ever-increasing demand for relief items. The Hygiene Kits we put together are forwarded to UMCOR for deployment to those most in need. A box for completed kits and instructions on how to put it all together is located outside of Fellowship Hall all year long.
Along with collecting items to build 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. 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
You may drop-off complete Hygiene Kits (or separate items to build a kit) at the church at one of these times:
- Sunday morning, before or after the 9:00 AM worship service.
- Any Monday that the Food Pantry is open – someone from the Food Pantry will be happy to accept them.