by Frank Imhoff, ELCA News Service
Lutheran Disaster Response is celebrating Thanksgiving with ads
in newspapers across the United States. "We give thanks for your
inspired response to the devastating hurricanes of 2005. We give
thanks for your continued support of those still in need, in the
months and years to come," says the ad that appears this week in
newspapers in Allentown, Pa.; Austin, Texas; Chicago; Des Moines,
Iowa; Minneapolis; Phoenix; Reading, Pa.; and St. Louis. The ad
also appears Nov. 22 and Nov. 24 in USA Today. A cornucopia
spills photos of volunteers at work in hurricane cleanup in the
U.S. Gulf Coast. "Thank you for your generosity, for your
faithful service, for your welcoming arms, for your long-term
commitment, for volunteering next year," it says.
Lutherans have donated nearly 700,000 hours of volunteer service
and more than $26 million to the effort. From across the United
States, 20 relief agencies affiliated with Lutheran Disaster
Response have responded with help -- establishing volunteer
housing sites, organizing work teams, coordinating donations and
providing case management for displaced households -- and almost
1,100 college students from 54 colleges and universities served
during spring break.
"In response to the devastating hurricane season of 2005, there
has been an inspired outpouring of support from Lutherans around
the country. Lutheran Disaster Response gives thanks for the
work and support of volunteers, donors, employees and affiliated
agencies around the country," said Michael D. Nevergall,
associate for program interpretation, Lutheran Disaster Response.
"Lutheran Disaster Response hopes that Lutheran congregations and
individual members will continue to support the efforts in the
months and years to come. This sort of long-term commitment has
become the trademark of Lutheran Disaster Response and many of
the faith-based organizations involved in disaster response," he
said. Lutheran Disaster Response is a collaborative ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
