MCC Responds to Citrus Freeze

The Central California citrus freeze in January 2007 is affecting tens of thousands of people. Folks whose livelihoods are tied to citrus are now suddenly out of work. They will continue to struggle at least until the peach, plum and nectarine harvest begins in May. Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Disaster Service are coordinating our assistance. We are in contact with churches in the affected communities and are attending the wider freeze coalition meetings of government and faith agencies. We will respond in ways that are loving, efficient and help those not able to get help elsewhere.

Some of our churches in the affected area are asking for help to serve their members and neighbors. The help requested is for:
• Food (basic necessities) distributed weekly for 3-4 months.
• Rent, utility and medical bills at least until May.

Food Distribution
MDS is ready to begin food distribution. We have experience from the 1991 and 1998 citrus freezes. We have people and contacts in place. To support this program, send your gifts to:
Mennonite Disaster Service
c/o Wayne Zimmerman
8539 S Columbia
Reedley CA 93654

Help with Rent, Utilities and Medical
MCC will help churches assist with rent, utility and medical bills. Gifts to the MCC California Freeze Fund will be used by our partner Mennonite churches in the affected area to provide help to the most needy. To support this program, send your gifts to MCC (California Freeze in memo) at:
West Coast MCC
1010 G Street
Reedley CA 93654
(559) 638-6911
westcoast@mcc.org

Eugene, Oregon collects over 4,500 School Kits for MCC

The Humanitarian Aid Committee of the Lane County Darfur Coalition challenged their community to collect 1,000 school kits. School kits were the most needed item in camps in Darfur, Sudan. The challenge went out in July and by October 4,562 kits had been received, some coming from as far as Portland.

Welcome to West Coast MCC

West Coast MCC, with offices in Reedley, California, is one of four U.S. regions of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

West Coast MCC works in 10 states-- Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Western Montana.

A board with representatives from Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches gives guidance to the program on the West Coast.

The West Coast MCC constituency is 50% people of color or recent immigrants to the US On any Sunday our Lord will be worshipped in over 10 languages. Of the four regions, West Coast is the smallest with 250 churches and 34,000 members.

Over 75 people from the West Coast are serving with MCC in North America and around the world.

Please remember MCC in your will.

West Coast Mennonite Central Committee
1010 G Street
Reedley CA 93654

559-638-6911

westcoast@mcc.org