Putney - WCF Photo Editor

There are three ways that you can be of assistance to victims of the tornados here in Iowa last Sunday.

1) Physically: Our church is currently coordinating with the Lamont area for a group to assist with clean-up efforts this Sunday afternoon. The plan is to meet at First United Methodist Church (Court Ave and Marion St) at Noon this Sunday.  We are working on carpooling so if you can drive, bring your car/truck/etc.  Bring with you thick-soled shoes (no tennis shoes) and heavy gloves for working.  Rakes and shovels would be nice as well… and if you have a wheelbarrow we could probably throw it in the back of a pick up.  We will be starting at the firestation in Lamont and working from there.  We are looking to get a group of at least 20 people, so if you know of others who are willing to go, please have them come!  And if you know you are planning on participating, call the church 642-3146 to give us a head count of how many are joining with you.

2) Financially:  A fund has been established to support the relief efforts in Northeast Iowa following Sunday’s tornado.  Checks, made payable to the Iowa Annual Conference, with Tornado Relief, #247 entered on the memo line, may be sent directly to: Tornado Relief Fund, Iowa Conference Center, 2301 Rittenhouse Street, Des Moines, IA 50321. (We will also be taking a special offering in church this Sunday for this fund)

3) Prayers:  With all of the weather and precipitation that continues to head our way, prayers are needed for all of those who are working to rebuild their lives to have good weather and for the safety of those involved. Prayers are also needed for those who have lost so much and who need the hope that only God can offer.

As victims of recent disasters have found, being without your birth certificate, social security card or bank account numbers after a major or minor disaster can be a huge problem. But with this checklist, you’ll be able to make a completely accessible repository all of your vital documents and communications that you can use, whether you’re dealing with a simple medical emergency, or with a major disaster and need your important documents to start over.