Click here for information on use of the Lend A Hand van.
Harrisburg Flood Response — various dates in September and October, 2011. See SCHEDULE for details.
more info…
- Tyvek suits, latex gloves, barn boots, Masks for hazardous materials removal OR $500
- Hats and T-shirts for volunteers or $1,500
- "HOW TO" CD's on dry wall hanging and finishing, roofing, framing, residential electrical and/or
plumbing, and home insulation OR $20 per video.
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Lend A Hand was founded in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina, and has since achieved national respect and recognition.
Lend A Hand coordinates reliable transportation, labor, housing and meals for volunteers who want to help those who have lost homes or are suffering extraordinary hardship as the result of a disaster.
Often one of the most valuable things Lend A Hand volunteers can do is to listen. Victims of disaster need to tell their stories of loss, hardship and recovery to a sympathetic listener.
The new friends you make with other volunteers and with those you’re serving are just one of the many benefits of participating on a Lend A Hand work team.
Many (but not all) jobs require physical labor. Most volunteers eagerly jump in and take on any job which needs to be done, from demolition and rebuilding to general disaster clean-up.
Central PA Flood Recovery New!
Hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee dumped 6-16" of rain in central PA. About 4,000 homes suffered medium to major water damage. Lend A Hand is responding to many requests for removing water, mud and debris from basements and living areas. Already, 31 basements have been pumped, and dozens of homes have been cleaned of water-soaked materials.
Requests have come from a wide area, and are being sorted into Community Clusters:
- Cluster 1 – Lebanon County
- Cluster 2 – Hershey, Swatara Township, Hummelstown
- Cluster 3 – Highspire, Middletown
- Cluster 4 – City of Harrisburg
- Cluster 5 – Duncannon, West Fairview Township
- Cluster 6 – New Cumberland
Each Thursday a 7-day work schedule (Saturday to the following Friday) will be published. Volunteers may register for one, some or all of the days by calling 717-731-8888. Volunteers should dress appropriately, wear boots or hard soled shoes, and bring a pair of rubber gloves. This work is hard and dirty!
Each volunteer will report to a Site Coordinator, at a specific location, where some forms will be completed. At this time assignments to specific homes with clean-up needs will be made. The water has receded or been pumped, but mud and debris still need to be removed. Also, these areas will need to be pressure-washed and sanitized.
The work day will run from 9 AM - 5 PM or until a voluteer is fatigued or the job is done. Sunday work schedule is 1 - 6 PM so that volunteers can attend church services. BRING A BAG LUNCH TO EAT AT THE JOBSITE. Lend A Hand will supply water and provide tools. If you have questions, please call 717-731-8888. Thanks in advance for your willingness to help.
THANK YOU!…THANK YOU!…THANK YOU! New!
UPCOMING TRIPS TO MISSISSIPPI CANCELED New!
After considering the significant damage done to over 4,000 homes in our area because of the recent floods, Lend A Hand had decided to cancel the trips to Smithville, MS for the short term future. After we are able to clean out and reconstruct homes in our neighborhoods, we will be re-negotiating with our hosts in Mississippi to return to assist with the tornado damage there.
On behalf of the Lend A Hand organization, our thanks are extended to all of you for the generous donations toward the purchase of a newer 15 passenger van.
Lend A Hand is a 501 C 3 charitable organization, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, and your donation is tax deductible.
We continue to do disaster recovery work throughout the United States. Presently, we have have scheduled teams to go to Smithville, Mississippi, where a Category 5 tornado devastated over 400 homes in the town, and, we are working in Harrisburg, restoring homes flooded by recent rains from Hurricane Irene.
Restoring homes and renewing lives are at the core of our efforts. Moreover, such trips enrich our volunteers as they continue on their individual ‘spiritual/faith journeys’ of doing God’s work among those affected by disaster.
Your financial support makes our efforts possible. You are invited to join with us on future trips. View our website for dates and trip details.
We were fortunate to purchase a used, 2007 Ford with only 2,922 miles on the odometer. You donation has helped us reach our goal of $18,577, the purchase price of the van.
HOSS'S FUNDRAISER IS BACK New!
Here we go again! Lend A Hand has partnered with Hoss’s Steak and Sea House as part of their Community Fundraising Program. Our scheduled date is Sunday, October 23, 2011, at the following Hoss’s Restaurants: Mechanicsburg, Enola, Carlisle, Annville, Chambersburg, Gettysburg and Hanover. Please note the Hummelstown location is closed due to flooding. For more information click here.
NEW FEE SCHEDULE
Because of increases in fuel costs, motel costs while in transit, and rising food and lodging costs
at disaster sited… and a significant drop in free will donations from churches and organizations, we must
reluctantly raise the fees for van and bus transportation. This is the first increase in over five years.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 18, 2011, the cost of van transportation will increase from $150 to $175. The
cost of bus transportation will increase from $250 to $300.
OFFICE HOURS
Because Lend A Hand is entirely staffed by volunteers, a person is not always present at the office. Ususally, either Bill or George are in the office from 9 to 10:30 daily and that is the best time to reach a 'live' person. Messages left on the answering system are usually returned within 24 hours. We also attempt to respond to all emails immediately and will send trip receipts and other materials within 24 hours of receipt at the officeof applications and checks. The office is open from 9 to 4 daily, Monday thru Friday and things may be picked up or dropped off by talking to Suzi, the presbytery's Administrative Assistant.
VAN AVAILBLE FOR CONGREGATION USE
Lend A Hand has purchased a used, 15 passenger van. For our trips, the van will accommodate 8-9 passengers and their luggage and tools. When the van is not being used by Lend A Hand, it will be made available to any congregation's Session or Administrative Council-approved field trip or youth program at a recommended donation of $50 per day effective January 18, 2011.
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“I didn’t know if I’d be
useful, but there’s a job
for everyone.”
Leanne, 1st-time Lend A Hand volunteer
“There are people in
trouble and I can help”
Robert, 8-time Lend A Hand volunteer
“The week I spent working
as a Lend A Hand volunteer made a hugh difference in
peoples’ lives… especially mine.”
Lisa, 3-time Lend A Hand volunteer
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