Frequently Asked Questions

United Church of Christ
Hurricane Sandy Response

1. What is the United Church of Christ doing across the Hurricane Sandy disaster area? (Several Caribbean countries and 17 U.S. states were impacted.)

One Great Hour of Sharing and Hurricane Sandy Response funds are being used to help with basic humanitarian relief, food, clean water and blankets in Haiti and Cuba.  In the United States, funds are providing: personal protection equipment for volunteers and homeowners; support for local UCC run food banks; assistance in applying for emergency food stamps; distribution of Church World Service blankets, hygiene and clean up kits

The UCC will be supporting communities in the long struggle to recover and rebuild from this disaster — the worst storm to ever strike New Jersey and New York City.

Since the hurricane, the UCC has reached out to its partners across the disaster area to coordinate a swift response. Funds have been dispersed to several partners including Church World Service, ACT Alliance, UCC congregations providing shelter and outreach and community- based disaster response groups.

2.   How do I make a donation to help the people impacted by Hurricane Sandy?

To assist those suffering in the aftermath of the hurricane, click on the link to make an online contribution to the United Church of Christ.  Please mail checks to UCC; 700 Prospect Ave.; Cleveland, OH 44115.  Write “Hurricane Sandy” in the memo line of all checks.

a. How much of my donation will be used in the relief effort?

100% of gifts received for UCC Hurricane Sandy Response Fund will be used for relief and rehabilitation initiatives. The administrative costs related to receiving and processing gifts is covered by UCC members’ generous contributions to Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM).

b. My company offers matching gifts. Will my gift to UCC Hurricane Sandy Response Fund qualify for this program?

Yes, the United Church of Christ is a federally recognized, tax exempt organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax ID number is 34-1927041. Receipts will be issued for charitable contributions made to the United Church of Christ for disaster-related or other mission work.

c. How much money has the United Church of Christ raised for Hurricane Sandy Response?

In the wake of this disaster, the response of UCC members and friends has been generous.  As of  Friday, May 17, 2013, over $821,800 has been received.  Please be assured that your contributions are being used to meet both immediate needs in the wake of  Hurricane Sandy and will be utilized for long-term recovery initiatives.

3.  Our congregation would like to collect clothes, food and/or supplies. How can we respond with material resources?

Church World Service has issued an urgent call for Church World Service Hygiene and Cleanup Kits and Blanket donations.(hyperlinks)  Please assemble these kits and avoid other material collections.  This is a good “hands on” activity for church groups.  UCC congregations in Florida and Ohio are encouraged to make up their specific Conference Kits.

Donations of clothing and other materials are generally not appropriate for disaster response.  Warehouse space and transportation costs must be focused on critically needed supplies.

4.  Can I volunteer?

Organized on-site volunteer opportunities are rare immediately following a disaster of this magnitude.  Once the immediate emergency is over and clean-up and repair begin, opportunities to volunteer will likely become available.

Please refer to the Volunteer information found at this link: Volunteer and Donated Goods Guidelines.

We have begun initial conversations with ecumenical partners here in the U.S. to explore the possibility of offering mission work trip opportunities some time in the future.  As information becomes available, we will post it to our website:  www.ucc.org/disaster.

5. Why aren’t Church World Service and the UCC included in the various lists of agencies responding to the disaster in Haiti?

Many news agencies have compiled lists of organizations which are currently working to respond to Hurricane Sandy. While Church World Service is included on many of these lists, there are inevitably instances in which the agency is not listed. Often, the choice of which charities to include on these lists is up those making editorial decisions.

If you find that Church World Service has not been included on the list of your local news agency or other organization, please feel free to contact that agency and encourage them to expand their coverage to include Church World Service’ work.  

6. Have UCC congregations been affected?

Several UCC church buildings received minor damage.  Several UCC members have sustained damage to their homes, schools and places of business. 

7. How can I stay informed?

Please continue to check the UCC Disaster site for current and updated information: www.ucc.org/disaster.