January 26, 2010
Written by Jeff Woodard

The overwhelming outpouring of generosity from United Church of Christ members and congregations to earthquake-ravaged Haiti continues to set new standards, according to church leaders. As of noon Tuesday (Jan. 26), more than $560,000 had been raised by the UCC Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, according to Susan M. Sanders, UCC's minister for global sharing of resources.

"The total of $566,246 includes $359,245 that has been raised through online contributions," says Sanders. The two-week total is more than double the $250,603 raised during the first six days following the Jan. 12 disaster.

Creative initiatives from UCC entities are also taking shape. Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) in California has issued a $50,000 match grant to encourage employees to donate; an employee campaign at Advocate Health Care in Chicago is sharing proceeds with both the UCC and Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America (ELCA); First United Church of Christ in Hampton, Va., is planning a benefit concert for Haiti on Feb. 21; and the youth group of Mountain Rise UCC in Fairport, N.Y., voted to donate the $1,720.25 it recently raised through Christmas wreath sales.

In addition, Beecher Memorial UCC in New Orleans has sent a first offering of $629 and has pledged to receive a special Haiti offering the first Sunday of each month in 2010. In a letter to UCC Wider Church Ministries, the Rev. Juan R. Thomas, Senior Pastor at Beecher Memorial, wrote: "The citizens of New Orleans and the members of Beecher Memorial UCC, who 4½ years after Hurricane Katrina continue to rebuild from devastation, destruction and pain, are deeply affected by what we have seen in Haiti."

Haiti is receiving millions of dollars in emergency aid at a time when it owes a huge debt to the international community. Jubilee USA Network, a leading advocate of nations in debt, is joining a global call for Haiti's $1-billion-plus debt to be waived.

"For Haiti to have a solid chance at a strong recovery, and to build back better, its debt must be forgiven," says Sanders. Adds Neil Watkins, Executive Director of Jubilee USA, "The international community cannot possibly expect Haiti to pay back a loan for emergency relief in the wake of this disaster."

Checks payable to United Church of Christ marked for Haiti may be sent to: UCC, Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund; 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.

Online gifts are still being accepted at the Haiti Earthquake Relief donation page. All gifts received by the UCC Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund will be used for relief and rehabilitation initiatives. Administrative costs are being covered by UCC members' contributions to Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM).

United Church of Christ News Service