Give to Disaster Relief--2008 Hurricanes
This designated account supplements the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering to enable a significant, ongoing response to the large number of major hurricanes and tropical storms in 2008. Areas especially affected include Louisiana and Texas in the United States and the Caribbean countries of Cuba and Haiti. Hurricanes and tropical storms that caused severe damage from high winds and flooding include Dolly, Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike.
Hurricane Ike and 2008 hurricanes
The Forgotten Storm
Damage Lingers, Support Needed
On Sept. 13, 2008, the third costliest hurricane in U.S. history swept across the Texas Gulf Coast, wiping out thousands of homes and causing an estimated $20 billion in damage. But in the midst of a historical presidential election and a declining economy, the storm received far less media attention than Katrina and similar disasters.
More than a year later, the effects of the storm are still being felt and much work remains to be done. Donations and volunteers are desperately needed in Port Neches and Texas City. Please help Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) respond to the needs of the people in the Texas Gulf Coast.
Here are ways you can help:
Volunteer
Take a volunteer work team to Texas to work on recovery efforts. Call (866) 732-6121 to schedule your trip. Posters are available below to help with volunteer recruitment.
Give online or send a check (payable to PC(USA), account DR000184) to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
Spread the word
- in your church, presbytery or synod newsletter
- using resources available to encourage your congregation’s involvement
- view the Ike videos and imbed them in your organization’s Web site or blog
- stay informed by reading situation reports and Stories of Hope from volunteer work teams
Hurricane Ike was the third most destructive hurricane to make landfall in the United States. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino, FEMA.
Resources and Videos
Posters
Two posters have been prepared for you to download and print (11x17 inches). You may use them to bring awareness to the needs created by Hurricane Ike - The Forgotten Storm.
"The Forgotten Storm"
Download from resource archives
"Hurricane Ike was there. We are there too."
Download from resource archives
A Work Team poster is available to promote your upcoming mission trip or encourage involvement. Large enough to be placed in strategic locations in your church or neighborhood, these posters have space for you to put your trip and contact information. Free: order online. If you would like more than a few copies (no charge), please contact PDA.
Videos
Three videos are available to share with your congregation, encouraging them to take part in witnessing to the healing love of Christ by helping families impacted by Hurricane Ike. Read about the videos, view them online, or order a copy on DVD.
Situation Reports
August 7, 2009: Volunteers needed following the third most destructive hurricane in U.S. history
Download from resource archives
April 13, 2009: Hurricane Ike leaves people with lost or damaged homes, little help
Download from resource archives
Helpful links
PresbyTel answers your questions about the PC(USA). Call (800) 872-3283 to talk to a PresbyTel consultant.