From Dr. Fisher:
The unfolding tragedy in New Orleans and other parts of the region has led all of us to ask, “What can we do?” Belmont students from affected areas are being contacted by staff and faculty to see how we can be of immediate support. Staff and faculty of Belmont are also opening their homes to the parents of Belmont students who need housing. Belmont University is opening its doors to students unable to attend their own university due to Hurricane Katrina. Those students will be able to take classes here and their tuition will be sent to their home institutions to enable them to rebuild and reopen.
We often read of refugee crises in other parts of the world, but it is rare for our nation to face one. Please see below for ways that together we can give, pray and go help. In the coming days, weeks and months, we will let you know of other ways we can serve together.
Give:
-Blood: Schedule an appointment with the Red Cross to donate blood: 1-800-448-3543. They are open this weekend and on Labor Day.
-Money: You can donate by credit card by clicking the links below or calling the phone number listed. The web sites and phone numbers can also be used to get the appropriate address to which you can mail a check.
* Adventist Community Services: 1-800-381-7171
* American Red Cross: 1-800-435-7669
* Catholic Charities, USA: 1-800-919-9338
* Christian Reformed World Relief Committee: 1-800-848-5818 / 1-800-552-7972
* Church World Service: 1-800-297-1516, ext. 222
* Lutheran Disaster Response: 1-800-638-3522
* Mennonite Disaster Service: 1-717-859-2210
* Nazarene Disaster Response: 1-888-256-5886
* Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: 1-800-872-328
* Salvation Army: 1-800-725-2769
* Southern Baptist Convention / Disaster Relief: 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
* United Methodist Committee on Relief: 1-800-554-8583
Supplies & Food:
-A 50 ft. trailer will be parked next to the Beaman Student Life center beginning Friday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 9. You can drop off items anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The trailer will then be driven to the disaster area to deliver the supplies to those in need. The following non-perishable items can be donated:
Baby Bottles, Baby Food, Baby Formula, Baby Wipes, Band-aids, Batteries, Cleaning Supplies, Disposable Diapers (all sizes, First Aid Items, Feminine products, Hand Sanitizer, Liquid Detergent, Paper Towels, Personal hygiene toiletries, Plastic gloves, Shampoo, Teddy Bears, Toilet Paper, Trash Bags, Wet Wipes
1.5 cubic foot boxes of food prepared for a family – No single food items please:
Suggested items to include (please list contents on box with a marker):
* Rice
* Beans
* Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
* Powdered milk
* Cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals
* Peanut Butter
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE: Chocolate or candies that will melt, chemicals or combustible items.
Pray:
-On Friday, Sept. 2 there will be two prayer gatherings at 10:40 a.m., one on the North Lawn across from Pembroke Hall and one in the Wright/Maddox/Kennedy Courtyard.
-On Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. a special time of prayer for those affected by the Hurricane will take place at Refuge, the weekly time of worship held at Belmont Heights Baptist Church.
-On Wednesday, Sept. 7, the Opening Convocation at 10:00 a.m. in the Massey Performing Arts Center will allow us to worship together as we pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Go:
The teams that are going to serve in the affected areas right now are comprised of those trained in disaster relief. There is no current need for us to send teams from Belmont. However, the time will come when we can send teams to help with relief work. We are looking at organizing teams to go over Fall Break (Oct. 13-16), Christmas Break and Spring Break (March 6-10). We are in touch with a variety of denominational agencies to ensure that our efforts are well-planned and fit with the short- and long-term needs of the people we will be serving. If you are interested in going, please email Benita Walker in the Office of Spiritual Development (walkerb@mail.belmont.edu) and indicate whether you are interested in the Fall Break, Christmas Break or Spring Break trips.