UMCOR West Prepares to Officially Open
*By Melissa Hinnen
April 29, 2009 —Volunteers have been hard at work preparing the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) West Office and Depot for the grand opening on May 30 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
According to director, Rev. Brian Diggs, "the outpouring of support from local United Methodists has been awesome." He continues, "There has been a constant flow of volunteers faithfully coming in to paint, clean, provide administrative support and organize supplies."
The organization operates UMCOR West in Utah and UMCOR Sager Brown in La. Says Kathy Kraiza who manages the operations of both depots, "UMCOR West will provide new mission opportunities for groups, especially those in the Western Jurisdiction. The Rocky Mountain region is a beautiful area to experience the community that comes with assembling relief kits."
An Invitation
The official opening on May 30 is open to all United Methodists and others who are interested in learning more about UMCOR West. Guests are invited to bring assembled kits or donate supplies as a "housewarming gift." The grand opening celebration is scheduled from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Pre-registration is not required.
The day will include an afternoon barbeque at noon, ribbon cutting and consecration at 1:00, relief supplies workshop and a tour of the 22,000 square foot warehouse at 2:00, followed by fellowship and Q&A with UMCOR representatives. Says Diggs, "We are looking forward to hosting a community event, answering questions and exploring how we might fully put the Gospel into practice."
Annual Conference Participation
Diggs says, "We are thankful that Rocky Mountain, Pacific North West and Yellowstone have committed to collecting kit supplies at Annual Conference in June. Consolidating the shipments from each conference will decrease the shipping cost. It is also a great project around which each conference can focus its efforts. With full participation from the Western Jurisdiction, UMCOR West will be stocked to respond when a disaster occurs."
UMCOR supply kits care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis. They also sustain everyday life by providing basic necessities to people who lack ready access to essential supplies. These kits provide vital support for the work UMCOR does throughout the world. Donating kit supplies or financial gifts to purchase the supplies, makes a direct, tangible difference in sustaining people's lives.
Types of kits include: health, sewing, school, layette, bedding and cleaning buckets in addition to the new birthing kit. Detailed information about assembling kits can be found here.
To volunteer or donate supply kits, please contact: UMCOR West Office and Depot, Reverend Brian Diggs, Director, 1479 South 700 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84104-1605 Phone: 801-973-7250, Fax: 801-973-7916, Email: WestDepot@UMCOR.org
*Melissa Hinnen is the staff writer for UMCOR communications
