RHINELANDER - Most people can't ignore the stunning images of flooded homes and roof-tops torn away out of the south and Caribbean after two hurricanes rolled through.
Hearing about constant fundraisers and donation drives can wear you out. A Rhinelander pastor hopes your spirit to give hasn't been broken yet.
First United Methodist Church on Arbutus Street is collecting supplies to send to hurricane-damaged areas. The drive includes things like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and insect repellent.
Reverend Keith Wolf says he's aware of "compassion fatigue", but is confident Rhinelander as a whole will step up.
"When I put this out to our congregation, people were coming to me saying, 'Thank you for giving us the opportunity.' And I hope that's how people feel about this," Wolf said.
Wolf says the idea for this collection came from a church member who hoped the Northwoods could focus on Irma and Harvey relief. But with Hurricanes Jose and Maria now headed for the Caribbean, he's aware this might not be the last drive the church needs to have.
The church started collecting items Monday and already has several boxes full of supplies.
"We'd love to fill this space [the church entryway] up and overflow out of here and if we need to find a semi, we'll find it," Wolf said.
The Methodist church will collect supplies through October 6th when they'll truck them down to a distribution center in Illinois. Donations can be dropped off any time, including after-hours under the covered carport on Wabash Street.
You can also donate money. For a complete supply list and more information visit the church's website via the link below.
Related Weblinks:
First United Methodist Church hurricane relief supply list
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