We have three options for helping with hurricane relief:

1. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has been responding in the hardest hit areas both within and outside the USA. Donations can be made through www.UMCOR.org or checks or cash given to our church which will be sent to UMCOR.

2. Donate Needed Items. A local family is collecting donations this week to deliver personally to New York on Sunday 11/11.  The donated items will go to a distribution center on Long Beach Long Island. Needs are changing daily but for this week these are the current needs. Please DO NOT donate items not requested.  Highlighted items are those most seriously needed this week.

Most Needed Items

• Shoes and Boots – all sizes
• Baby Formula – ready to drink (URGENT)
• Dog and cat food
• Adult diapers
• Blankets
• Hats and gloves all sizes
• Hand and foot warmers
• Flashlights and batteries
• Candles/lighters
• Ready to eat Gluten Free food
• Disposable cameras(needed to document damage for insurance companies and FEMA)

Other Items:

• Heavy duty brooms and rakes
• Mops, replacement mop heads
• Work and heavy duty latex gloves
• Bleach
• Clorox wipes
• Tarps
• Baby food (ready to eat)
• Towels
• Winter coats – all sizes
• Industrial strength black trash bags
• Battery operated lanterns
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Toiletries (mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, pony tail holder, brushes, combs, etc)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• First aid kids
• 6 foot folding tables (to sort donations)
• Ready to eat food (canned )
• Money or gift cards (we will shop for you)

Drop off procedure:  Please drop off all items to the Merrimacport UMC by Saturday 11/10 by 2pm and leave in the Sunday School room for sorting. Doors will be open all day Saturday. They will be brought to Newburyport at 3pm.  If you prefer to drop off items yourself, deliver to Valerie Natoli Paquette on 22 Milk St Newburyport