Provider of supplies to all victims of major natural disasters in the lower 48 United States
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 to a local Church of Christ in the disaster area.
Keywords: disaster relief church of christ ministry flood wildfire hurricane tornado nashville tennessee United States
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Over 25 years
What is your primary product or service?
We are a first responder to communities struck by major disasters in the 48 contiguous United States, offering pre-packed necessary supplies of food, water, personal hygiene, infant care, cleaning supplies, new clothing and new shoes to victims of the disaster. We offer these supplies at no cost, through a local Church of Christ in the disaster area, to distribute to all disaster victims.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
3 men in the late 1980's, that were responsible for the benevolent work in their local Church of Christ congregations in the Nashville area, wanted to help those that were devastated by disasters, and were curious what could be done if we organized a group to prepare and ship the needs of disaster victims after they'd been forced from their homes due to a disaster. We saw that what people were receiving, was nothing standard, was just things that people had gone out and bought a case of a few items, and dropped them off. The victims weren't really getting what they needed, and no organization was providing a large portion of their basic needs.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
A large part of the work done to prepare and distribute these supplies is by volunteers. We have over 775 people in the area to call upon when we need something done, and because of these volunteers we are able to get tasks done for free, allowing us to only have 15 employees nationwide. We turn over a 53' trailer load of organized, ready to distribute supplies to the leadership of a local Church of Christ in a major disaster area, for them to distribute to all disaster victims in need in their community, to show those that have lost everything that we love them, that we are interested in their well being, both physically, and spiritually.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location, so we can better control our inventory and who we're helping.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Just north of the Nashville Zoo, just west of the intersection of Nolensville Road and Allied Drive, behind Whitt's Barbecue.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept all types of donations: checks mailed to PO BOX 111180, Nashville TN 37222-1180 or CC by phone at 615-833-0888. On our website: www.disasterreliefeffort.org, people can click on the DONATE NOW button, where they can make a donation by eCheck, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or Paypal.
Which areas do you service?
We provide disaster aid only in the United Staes. We serve the lower 48 contiguous states directly and can provide assistance for disasters in Hawaii and Alaska.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
We are a private 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, overseen by a Board of Directors, and an Advisory Board. Mike Lewis is the Executive Director, and Ralph Coles is the Director of Operations.
What are your hours of operation?
Normal hours are 8am-4pm M-F. With a special request, and a committment of a minimum of 4 hours of time, we schedule groups wanting to help to work on Saturdays, or Sunday afternoons, at a scheduled time.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That we care about all people in there greatest time of need, and do not want recognition or a pat on the back for what we do. We want all the glory to go to God, the creator and provider of all things.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Matthew 25:35-40 NKJV
35...' for I was an hungrey and you gave Me food; I was thristy and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36. I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me' 37. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying , 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed You, or tirsty and give You drink? 38. when did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39. Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? 40. And then the King will answer and say to them, 'Assyuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me'
Contact Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc.:
