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Human Care Ideas

What Can I Do To Help?

Katrina may have happened over 2½ years ago, but people in the Southern District still need our help. 

Kathy Wendling is a Louisiana resident whose home was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.  She now works for the Southern District of LCMS and writes, "The mission field in disaster response is BIG!  Many agencies come to rebuild after a disaster.  We, as the Lutheran Church, are different.  We provide labor and hope.  We rebuild through and as God’s servants—with prayer and the Love of the Lord."           

Here are just a few ideas on how you can lift up another and spread the message of the Gospel:

• Volunteer at Camp Restore or Camp Biloxi
    
• Family To Family Program: This program connects families from churches in the affected area with those who wish to help.  People across the country have discovered new friends, made a difference in the lives of struggling people, and personally demonstrated Christ's love to others. 
                                      
• Church To Family Program:  Many families are still living in FEMA trailers or temporary housing.  Many are also waiting to receive money from their insurance companies, Small Business Administration, or federal money for homeowners.  Without this money, families are unable to purchase needed building materials. Your church can be connected with a Lutheran family that needs additional funds and support to continue rebuilding their home.  Your church establishes a relationship with the family, raises funds to pay for building materials, organizes building trips with skilled laborers and prays for the family’s recovery.                              
• Welcome Home Packs:  As homeowners move back into their remodeled homes, they receive a house blessing with a Welcome Home Pack. These packs contain basic household items to help set up their new home.  The items and costs listed below are approximate Wal-Mart prices.  If applicable, take your church’s/organization’s tax exempt letter with you. 
  
  

  __	1 set of Pots and Pans: prices vary. Wal-Mart has a 53 pc “Kitchen Starter Set” for $39.86. (pots/pans, baking pans, cutlery knives with block, cutting board, spoons and spatulas, measuring spoons, flatware and a can opener
  __	1 set of everyday dishes with 4 to 6 place settings: $14.00 and up
  __	1 set of glassware – 16 pc set: $10.00 and up
  __	1 set of flatware for 4 to 6 place settings: $10.00 and up
  __	2 Matching dish towels/wash cloth/pot holders/oven mitt (set) $5.00 +
  __	1 Bottle of Dish soap: $3.00
  __	1 Salt & Pepper Shakers: $3.00
  __	1 glass or plastic 3 quart measuring cup/bowl: $4.00
  __	1 cup measuring cup, clear plastic $2.00
  __	1 set of 3 mixing bowls: $8.76
  __	1 set of measuring cups: $3.00 +
  __	1 set of measuring spoons: $3.00 +
  __	1 cutting board: $8.00 +
  __	1 set of mixing spoons and assorted spatulas. $10.00 and up
  __	1 set of 5 Glad disposable storage containers: $3.00
  __	1 box each of plastic zip lock bags: 1 qt size - $2.00 & 1 gal size $1.50
  __	1 water pitcher, $3.00 and up
  __	1 set of cutlery knives, $15.00 +
  __	1 electric can opener, $14.00 +
  __	1 canister set, $10.00
  __	1 set of Rubber Maid bowls with lids, $3.50
  Each box should contain a personal note or letter from the donor welcoming them home, a Bible, Christian message, devotion book, etc. Lutheran Church Charities will supply you with a letter to include in the box for the family, an address label and shipping instructions.

For more information and to get involved in any of these programs, contact Kathy Wendling  at kathyw@southernlcms.org or 504-442-5876.

May we all work as God’s hands. May each of us be Jesus with skin on to others.  And may we all Serve the Lord with Gladness.