NORWICH – The United Methodist Committee on Relief, or UMCOR, is collecting donated items for disaster relief in Schoharie County, said Pastor Jeff Hale of Norwich. The church is asking that the public donate either a health kit or a cleaning bucket containing various necessities for the people in need.

According to Hale, Chenango County is in the same church district as Schoharie and immediately took up the cry for help. Schoharie County was one of the hardest hit by the effects of Hurricane Irene.

The donations received by the church will be delivered regularly to those in need and there is no cut-off to how much can be donated. Any extras packages will be provided to the Catskills region, which also sustained a good deal of damage during last week’s storm.

“We want to make sure everything gets to the right place,” said Hale. He explained that pre-made buckets and packages would be ideal, but even single items would be appreciated and sorted by the church. Anyone wishing to donate money in lieu of items may contact the church as well.