A Message from Bishop Peggy Johnson: A chemical spill in West Virginia has left about 300,000 people in nine counties in the southwest section of the state unable to use tap water. The emergency began Jan. 9 when the chemical 4- methylcyclohexane methanol, a chemical used in coal processing, leaked out of a 40,000 gallon tank at a Freedom Industries facility along the Elk River. (Read more about the incident here.) Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball of the West Virginia Annual Conference reports that there is a significant and immediate need for ready-to-feed baby formula, paper products and baby wipes. In addition, cash donations are needed to address the long-term situation. Bishop Peggy Johnson is requesting churches of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference to set aside a time of prayer for all those affected by the accident and to take a special offering this weekend to assist the people of West Virginia. Checks can be made out to the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, marked “WV VOAD,” (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) and mailed to 139 North State Street, Dover, DE 19901. Financial contributions can also be marked “Disaster Relief” and sent directly to the West Virginia Conference, 900 Washington St. East, Charleston, WV 25301. Online contributions may also be made at umfwv.org. Donors should go to umfwv.org/ways-give, click the “online portal” link select “other” and designate the gift for #WV VOAD.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:10:41 +0000