Upcoming Event: MLK Day of Service

Packing UMCOR Health Kits for MLK Weekend Service

When: Sunday- January 19th after the 10:30 sanctuary service

Why: The United Methodist Committee On Relief is asking United Methodists to provide health kits that can be sent to those dealing with emergencies.

“For people who are feeling powerless in being able to help those in need, providing health kits is a tangible way they can make an immediate difference,” said Kathy Kraiza, director of UMCOR’s relief supplies.

The kits, valued at about $12 per kit, contain everything from towels and washcloths to sterile bandages and bar soap. They will be distributed to those who have been forced to leave their homes as a result of recent disasters.

For individuals or groups that want to contribute basic necessities, UMCOR requests that the following NEW items be placed in a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

  • 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”. No kitchen towels.
  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
  • 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
  • 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
  • 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
  • 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
  • $1.00 to purchase toothpaste
    • (NOTE: Toothpaste is purchased in bulk to be added to health kits to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.)

Other Items to Donate:

  • Zip-Loc Bags – 1-Gallon clear for packaging
  • Monetary Donations for shipment

Want to buy online? We have compiled a wish list of these items on Amazon at: http://amzn.com/w/D4QQRU8673TO (or use the Find a Wishlist function and search for FUMC Melrose). These items ship for free for Amazon Prime Members.

Supplies can be dropped off at the church office. For more information, contact Jane Allen at 781.665.0951 or at janeappleyardallen@gmail.com.