Memorial Makes 100 Flood Buckets for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

October 13th, 2024 - The congregation at Memorial United Methodist Church gathered on Sunday to fill 100 “flood buckets” which will be distributed by the Florida Conference Disaster Relief Ministry and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to people in areas affected by the recent hurricanes throughout Florida and the southeast. United Methodist Churches around the country are known for making flood buckets that their local Conferences and UMCOR the can deliver to areas of natural disaster in the United State and around the world.

      The funds to cover the 100 flood buckets, which cost around $75 each, were donated by members of Memorial this week after the senior pastor put out a call to the congregation to help with hurricane relief.  The flood buckets consist of a lidded utility bucket filled with a very specific list of cleaning and sanitizing supplies requested by UMCOR. The congregation feels a call to help those in need after natural disasters, and especially after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

     As Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Mark Charles said, “As United Methodists, we are in connection with other United Methodist Churches and also with our neighbors here and around the world. These flood buckets are a small way we can make a real difference in the lives of people and families affected by the recent hurricanes. It’s how we take care of our neighbors and help love show up.”

UMCOR distributes flood buckets provided by United Methodist Congregations year-round to help anyone whose home has been damaged by natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornados, and landslides. This assembly of 100 flood buckets was the second time this year Memorial has purchased and assembled flood buckets, and it won’t be the last time.

“We have a responsibility as a community of Christ followers to step up and put our thoughts and prayers into real, tangible action. Flood buckets are just one of the ways that we can do that,” Rev. Dr. Charles said.