Notes: How Our Effort Works
The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds to any major disaster in the continental United States by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims. We are a non-profit corporation, tax-exempt - state taxes and federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3). Only eleven employees are paid in the entire organization. Unpaid volunteers are the secret to success of our organization.

Our History
The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort unofficially began operations in 1990. Since 1991, the organization has distributed more than $35 million in emergency food and supplies to disaster victims in 35 states.

In 1994, the non-profit organization was incorporated and a large warehouse facility was purchased. Growth has been remarkable. For instance, in 1996 we shipped $1.1 million in aid. In 1997, more than $1.7 million in aid was shipped. In 1998, more than $4.1 million in emergency supplies were distributed. Major disasters in 1999 caused us to respond with more than $4.5 million in aid for disaster victims. In 2001 we shipped more than $5.1 million in aid, and in 2002 we sent more than $4.9 million in aid.

Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of this organization. The executive director and members of the board of directors and advisory board are all volunteers and receive no compensation. We also have volunteers working daily sorting and pre-packing relief supplies. When we load a truck, it is not unusual to see 300 volunteers show up to help.

Youth groups and Sunday school classes from throughout the Southeast have enjoyed working a day or two before seeing the Grand Ole Opry and other Nashville atractions.

Who Supports Us?
The Disaster Relief Effort is voluntarily supported by Churches of Christ, individuals, churches, corporations, and other non-profit agencies nationwide. In 2001, 1041 congregations in 38 states and 2668 individuals or families from 39 states supported us financially. In addition, 37 leading corporations from across the country donated substantial amounts of product.

What Are the Advantages?

Ready immediately to respond to emergencies with organized preparation, distribution, and follow-up

On-site review of assistance

Local churches help to distribute food, supplies, and funds

Workable system for distribution to victims

Who Gets Help?

Strict guidelines apply to type of disaster

Advance team goes immediately to survey the situation

Advance team aids in setting up distribution centers in disaster areas

Advance team follows up to see that all areas are covered

All cases are checked out, not an individual benevolent fund

Anyone at site can receive assistance regardless of race, color, or creed

We are Cost Effective
More than 85% of every donated dollar goes directly to disaster victims, 86.82% to be precise. Expenses such as salaries, utilities, supplies, maintenance, depreciation, truck rentals, etc. amounted to only 13.18%. We are proud of this remarkable record and acknowledge that without our many volunteers this could not be possible.

Distribution of Supplies
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief only works through the local Church of Christ in the community or town where the disaster has occurred. If there is no Church of Christ in the town, Disaster Relief will contact the nearest town that has a Church of Christ and ask for help. Supplies will be distributed by this congregation "in the name of the Lord" to anyone who has been affected by the disaster regardless of race, color, creed, or religion.

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