Deluge 2009 certainly is an opportunity for the church to respond to people in need, and we’re hearing of many efforts already underway.  Many thanks to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  Rev. Bill and Liz Branch were here to coordinate PDA efforts, and a $ 10,000 grant to Presbytery of Olympia was authorized.

We will be coordinating volunteers through the long term recovery organizations and other emergency response coordinating agencies.  The contacts we currently have are:   for Lewis County, the contact is LTRO at 360-740-8323; Pierce County is utilizing the Associated Ministries care teams, contact Gill Bahnsen at gillb@associatedministries.org or 253-383-3056 x129; Thurston-Mason Counties contact Sarah Ballard, 360-741-2615, www.rebuildthurston.org; Grays Harbor contact Rev. Bill Peterson, 360-581-9300, presbybill@yahoo.com.  If you know of other contacts, please let me know at tony@olypres.org

Donations will definitely be needed.  We are requesting help from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance also.  Checks can be sent payable to Presbytery of Olympia, with flood relief noted on the memo line or the remittance form.  You also have the option of donating on-line, through the Sound View Camp website.

Many, many thanks to all who have helped already, and for the time and funds that will be donated over the coming weeks and months.