Help! Need info. on Lebanon relief groups.

[shimmergal]

From their rules, I didn't think I could post this in the Israeli-Palestinian forum.

But I'm so distressed at the toll the current blow-up is taking on innocent Lebanese who're caught amidst the bombs and fighting, while they're just trying to lead their own lives.

Does anyone know of any charity, church or otherwise, who're putting together relief efforts and could take donations? I can't send much, but anything we can do to help . . .

[Sanity Claws]

1. Mercy Corps

They're based in Portland, OR. I heard them advertise on the radio (Seattle station) that they needed contributions because of their relief efforts in Lebanon. Here's a link: http://www.mercycorps.org/

[Critters2]

2. Church World Service

is working in partnership with the Middle East Council of Churches and International Orthodox Christian Charities, because those groups have long histories and many contacts in the region. Go to www.churchworldservice.org

[RevCheesehead]

3. I second the efforts of Church World Service.

In the Methodist church, the organization is UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief); and they work directly with CWS. You can donate to them through any Methodist church, and know that 100% of your contribution will go directly to relief efforts.

[Critters2]

5. Can also contribute through UCC churches,

or, I'm assuming, any church that is a member of the National Council of Churches. CWS is the relief arm of the NCC. Being a smaller denomination, the UCC doesn't really have anything comparable to UMCOR
(well, Global Ministries, but its work is more varied). We just support Church World Service directly. I just announced last week that anything dropped in our offering plate labeled "Middle East Crisis" or words to that effect will go directly to CWS. We've made lots of such requests in recent months--tsunami, hurricane, earthquake and now war relief. Church World Service is involved in all of it.

And my parishioners continue to be very generous, which makes me proud. Donor fatigue would be understandable these days.

On edit: This probably should have been a response to the OP. Hope s/he reads it.

Hi, Rev!

[RevCheesehead]

4. Oh, I forgot to add:

Bless you for your compassion. O8)

[shimmergal]

6. Just came back and read all the replies.

Thanks so much!