UMRC Newsletter Charleston DistrictVolume 4, No. 2 - September 1999 If We Had Only...If we had only money and no mission to accomplish... if we had only staff and nothing to do... if we had only volunteers and no tasks to perform...if we had only people in need and no one to help...God's perfect plan is that material resources, personnel, volunteers, and those in need be brought together so that the body of Christ might be "fitted and held to- her by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual pan, causing the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." Since 1991 (when the United Methodist Relief Center was established as an agency of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church) 177 volunteer teams totaling 4077 individuals and working a total of 171,846.75 hours have completed 231 projects affecting 667 people in need (statistics are through 12/31/98). As impressive as these statistics are, an ongoing volunteer labor force is probably the greatest need of the United Methodist Relief Center. Volunteers not only provide the physical resources to accomplish the task of our mission, but also are the basis for much of our funding which requires "matches." Volunteer labor decreases the cost of a project nearly by half, enabling us to stretch our dollars to serve more families. As the summer winds down, so does our volunteer labor force; many teams have used vacation time to work on UMRC projects. September-May (with the exception of spring breaks in March) is our slowest period for construction, simply because we lack manpower. The UMRC has a need for volunteers who will make an ongoing commitment to work with us, as individuals or as groups; the commitment may be for once a week, once a month, or every other month, so that we can continue to make a difference in our community, rebuilding homes and lives. On of my favorite sayings is, " God does not call the prepared, He prepares the called." Not that we will turn down anyone who is prepared, but we do have on-the-job supervision and tools available for anyone who desires to serve. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact the UMRC office at 884-4860. Fundraising Meets NeedsThe time of year is upon us and fundraising is in full swing at the Relief Center. Three fall events are slated to occur in the next two months. Many of the needs of the clients or assistance fall outside the funding guidelines of the private organizations and state and federal programs that the UMRC applies to for funding and cannot be met by these financial sources. Consequently the UMRC depends on money brought in by events and donations to fund these projects. Clients living on heirs property (property passed down from generation to generation without clear title) do not qualify for these more readily available sources and must wait a much longer time to have their repairs made. Digging wells and septic tanks are difficult projects to find funds to do. Outside sources of money to repair mobile homes is almost nonexistent and any repairs made come from money raised by the Relief Center or private donations. Administrative expenses are also supplemented by the fundraising events. Consider the situation of one elderly woman and her ten year old granddaughter who lived in a dilapidated mobile home. When a newer mobile home was donated to the Relief Center, the only funds available to refurbish it and move it to her property were those that had been privately donated or raised by the UMRC's fundraising events. Included in this issue are details concerning all three of the UMRC fall fundraisers: MusicFest 1999, Bi-Lo Boosters and the 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Participation by UMRC supporters is definitely needed to make these events a success and help to fill the coffers that are constantly depleted by urgent needs. Recycling At Its Best"We have a house for you!" Those were the words that a mother; father and their three children who live in Huger, SC have waited six long years to hear. The home they have lived in was plagued by termites and had rotten wood inside and out, the roof leaked and the house had no insulation. Because the homers condition was beyond repair and the property did not meet health department regulations for a septic system, a new home could not be built on the site. The only other land available to them was heirs property which meant that the title was not free and clear and most funding sources could not be used for new construction. One possibility for this family was a home that could be moved to the heirs property site. The health conditions of the family made their situation even more dire. The youngest son has suffered from asthma and chronic lung disease since birth which is aggravated by his living conditions. During the six years that the family has been awaiting assistance, the father has developed a severe heart condition and is now on disability. The waiting game had become more and more critical. A home that an Isle of Palms homeowner was interested in replacing turned out to be the answer to this families prayers. The four bedroom, two bath home would fit their needs perfectly and because the expense of moving it was assumed by the current homeowner, costs would be minimal. The only thing left was to inform the family. Lora McQueen, Advocate Coordinator for the Relief Center, called the family and asked them to come in to give her some additional information. After everything appeared to be in line and the move was a go, director Pat Goss announced that she had a four bedroom, two home that could be moved to their lot within the next four weeks and would be ready to move into within eight week after that. The excitement, surprise and astonishment on their faces was a site to behold. In the space of thirty minutes they had gone from despair to delight with the prospect of housing that would afford them a safe, warm and comfortable place to live. This house is one of five the Relief Center has been contacted about relocating in the past year: recycling of these homes provides a blessing to families that may have no other way to realize improvement in their dwelling. Volunteering = ChangesThis spring and summer work teams have once again made dramatic changes in the living conditions of so many of our lowcountry neighbors. Through heat, humidity and even rain, these tireless volunteers have roofed, dug foundations, built porches, constructed rooms, replaced windows, sheetrocked, painted interiors and exteriors, added plumbing and safe electrical wiring to homes, and constructed two new homes in order that 43 people would be able to live in safety and comfort. Ten of the individuals who received assistance were elderly folks with eight of those over age seventy seven. Nine were children under twelve and six individuals dealt with some type of handicap. While numbers can be interesting, they can also be impersonal. These 43 people will now be able to live without concern about leaky roofs when it rains, little or no adequate plumbing, sweltering heat during 100 degree summer days, bitter cold during the winter months, carrying water from neighbors and relatives, nor will they be concerned with holes in walls and floors. Things most of those reading this take for granted every day. Now that these basic needs have been addressed, these forty nine people are freed from the daily worry about one of the basic needs in life and can better get on with the business of living and not just surviving. *Win*Win*Win*Win*WinThe UMRC has embarked on another partnering venture that will continue to expand the mission work accomplished and stretch the funds that the Relief Center has been given stewardship of. The latest project involves working with Lieber Correctional Institute and their prison work program to build cabinets, furniture, paneling, and trim work that will be installed in the Elderly Transportable Housing Units as well as other new construction projects. These labor intensive components of any building project tend to be quite costly. This partnership allows hands-on training for inmates that can insure a viable profession upon release and provides the UMRC with well-crafted components at a fraction of the costs typically incurred. In addition, the experience of being a part of a project that helps others may be a first for many of these individuals. Bi-Lo BoostersNew fundraising opportunity for theUnited Methodist Relief Center UMRC supporters can earn money when we shop at any BI-LO with our BONUSCARDS. A percentage of our purchases will be given back to the UMRC as well as additional earnings when specific products at BI-LO are purchased. By signing up as one of our BI-LO Boosters anyone can help us raise money. It's an extremely easy way to earn funds for the UMRC. The most important thing is to get as many supporters as possible to enroll in this program as a UMRC supporter. 1. Supporters can sign up by calling I -877-426-6783, toll-free, or through the Internet at www.BI-LO.com. When you enroll, you will be asked for your BONUSCARD number, the first three letters of your last name, and our organization number: 2483. Please sign up NOW to have your purchases eligible for BI- LO Booster donations at the beginning of July. 2. Each time you shop at BI-LO and use your BONUSCARD, the amount spent will be credited to the UMRC's account. 3. BI-LO will donate a percentage of the total purchases accumulated by the UMRC and rebates for all specific product purchases. Golf Tournament Grab those clubs and come out swinging at the 5th Annual Charity Golf tournarnent to be held this year at Snee Farm Country Club in Mt. Pleasant. The shotgun start will begin at 12:00 noon on Monday, October 25th and the $65.00 registration fee includes green tees, cart and a bag lunch. Plan on organizing a foursome or register by yourself and enjoy a day of fun, food and fellowship for a worthy cause. Our goal this year is to raise $6,000 through golf team registrations and hole sponsorships. "Hole"sponsor ships are available for businesses or individuals wishing to show their support of the Relief Center. For a donation of $100.00, participating sponsors will receive publicity the day of the benefit with a personalized sign placed at one of the holes as well as the knowledge that this donation will allow the Relief Center to continue to help those less fortunate. Contact the Relief Center at 884-4860 to register as a golfer or to sponsor a hole. MusicFest 1999 "Sounds and Songs for the Spirit" Come and enjoy an afternoon of music performed by area United Methodist choirs to benefit the Relief Center. Cost is $5.00 per person. Performing choirs include: Charleston Korean Choir To be held at Grace United Methodist Prelude of Instrumental Music begins at 3:30 Fundraising Flashes...MusicFest 1999 - Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999 UMRC Charity Golf Tournament - October 25, 1999 !!!!!!!!!!Mark Your Calendars!!!!!!!!!!! |