About Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) has prepared the following statement specifically for individuals and congregations in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan concerning the recent flooding. Please share this information with rostered leaders, congregations, and others wishing to help and be involved. The recently launched LSS flood appeal will also encompass serving in communities now affected by these floods. Further updates will be shared weekly through the LSS website.

Historic Floods Devastating Wisconsin

In the past weeks crippling storms have afflicted wide parts of the Midwest. In Wisconsin, recent storms have brought disastrous flooding to many communities, including communities devastated in last summer's floods.

In the midst of these disastrous floods and storms that have struck our community, we lean on our faith for support. The Lutheran community always generously serves those in need in times of trouble and disaster. There will be many opportunities to serve in the weeks and days ahead. Your prayers are especially needed at this time. Please pray for those affected by the floods. Please pray for the first responders still working to ensure that all are safe.

Flood buckets are collections of cleaning supplies that can be given to help households clean up after a flood. Flood buckets will be needed down the road in this recovery. If individuals or congregations wish to assemble and donate flood buckets, please visit the following link for items to include in them. http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/print/kits/floodbucket.stm For information about where to drop off assembled flood buckets, please call Keith Lang, Disaster Human Services Coordinator with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan at 608-834-4444.

At this time, it remains hazardous and difficult to travel to many of the local communities affected by these floods. Therefore do not travel to these communities unless you verify that local communities have reached the stage to host volunteers to help. For information about local volunteering opportunities in Wisconsin, call "211." If you do find a local community ready to host volunteers, remember to come as part of an organized group.

If you have been affected by the floods, please visit or have someone provide you the information available that the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services has provided about immediate recovery needs. This information is available at the following link: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/DisasterHealthSafety/flooding.htm

Please do not send unsolicited gifts of food, clothing, or other materials. If local food pantries and other social service distributions centers need these donations at a later time, they will make those requests of the local community. Please do consider giving to the long term recovery needs of those affected by flooding through Lutheran Disaster Response.

Give through your congregation or send your check directly to: ELCA Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. With a credit card, give online at www.elca.org/giving or call 800-638-3522. Visit www.elca.org/disaster to learn more.

In Christ,

Gary Grindeland
VP Church Relations