New York, NY, February 7, 2008-The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its regional church partners are responding as rapidly as conditions allow to tornadoes that struck five southern states on Tuesday night, February 5.

Early response United Methodist teams were involved in debris cleanup on the afternoon of February 7 in areas that were open to volunteer workers. "In some areas, seek and rescue operations are still the priorities," said the Rev. Thomas Hazelwood, director of domestic disaster relief for UMCOR.

More than 65 people were known dead and scores were injured, primarily in Arkansas and Tennessee, the states hardest hit. There was also damage in Mississippi, southern Kentucky and northern Alabama on "Super Tuesday," the day of many state presidential primaries.

"I cannot possibly feel or understand everything that our sisters and brothers in the stricken areas are experiencing," said Bishop Felton E. May, chief executive of the United Methodist agency that includes UMCOR. "We do want them to know that we care. Ways in which we demonstrate our caring are through our gifts to UMCOR, our presence, and our prayers."

In the United States, UMCOR is a network of care and action that operates through trained volunteers organized by annual (regional) annual conferences. The central office provides trained organizers and relief coordinators.

Christy Smith of Brownsville, TN, is coordinating response to the early February tornadoes. She lives near Jackson, TN, one of the cities hardest hit and has experience in UMCOR efforts in previous tornado damage in the area.

In Jackson, Union University, a Baptist school, sustained extensive damage, according to Mr. Hazelwood.

"The pattern of these tornadoes was scattered," Hazelwood said. "The storms jumped around."

Donations to assist with relief efforts in the wake of the early February tornadoes can be made to UMCOR in a variety of ways. Indicate Advance #901670 and "Super Tuesday Tornadoes." UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.

United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org

UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.