UMCOR United Methodist Committee on Relief

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe.  UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States.  We provide humanitarian relief when war, conflict, or natural disaster disrupt life to such an extent that communities are unable to recover on their own.  UMCOR is a ministry of The United Methodist Church, and our goal is to assist the most vulnerable persons affected by crisis or chronic need without regard to their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We believe all people have God-given worth and dignity.  While UMCOR cooperates with other aid organizations to extend our reach, our most important partners are the people we serve. We are confident that successful solutions to emergency or chronic conditions begin with the affected population. UMCOR provides these survivors not only temporary relief but long-term education, training, and support.UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated donations on the projects our donors specify. When UMCOR donors give their time, money, and supplies, they join UMCOR as the hands and feet of Christ.

First United Methodist Church of Gilbert has always stepped up and helped out when a natural disaster occurs and we do that through UMCOR and the  Health Kits they send out to the impacted area.  Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster.

Below is the list of items that go in the bag and all the directions that go with it.  Watch the bulletin and newsletter on when these are collected.

Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

  • 1 hand towel 15” x 25” to 17”x 27” kitchen, cleaning and microfiber towels not acceptable
  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 comb      Comb needs to be sturdy and at least 8” long no pocket combs or picks please rattail combs and combs without handles are acceptable
  • 1 metal nail file or clipper      No emery boards or toenail clippers please
  • 1 bath size soap     3 oz. and larger sizes only, all brands are acceptable do not remove from original packaging
  • 1 toothbrush     adult size only do not remove from original packaging
  • 6 adhesive bandages     ¾” to 1 “ size common household band aids
  • 1 plastic bag one gallon size sealable bags only
  • $1.00 to purchase toothpaste

Assembly Directions

Set the $1.00 for toothpaste aside to be included in a separate envelope. Lay out the hand towel flat on a table. Lay the washcloth flat in the center of the hand towel. Place all remaining items on top of the wash cloth. Fold over the sides of the hand towel to cover all of the items. Fold over one end of the hand towel so that it covers all of the items. Grasp the bundle of items tightly and roll over the remainder of the hand towel tightly. Place the tightly rolled bundle in the plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag.

 

Important Notes

All items must be new. Do not wash any of the items as they will be considered used. Please remove all packaging.  All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items – nothing more.  DO NOT include any personal notes, money or additional material in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.  UMCOR is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent. Do not put single dollar bills in each kit.

For more information regarding the Health Kits for UMCOR, please email the Missions Team.