Sager Brown, now home to the UMCOR Relief-Supply Depot, celebrated 150 years of service to Baldwin, Louisiana, and the world in September.
UMCOR Sager Brown's history began in 1867 when the site was established as an orphanage and school for African-American youth left homeless by the Civil War. It was launched by members of one of United Methodist Women's predecessor organizations. Through many years of financial ups and downs, Sager Brown persevered as a school. However, in 1978, the school closed its doors, and the property remained vacant for fourteen years.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew tore through Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region. Despite the severe damage to surrounding communities, the Sager Brown facilities and grounds survived intact. In response to the disaster, UMCOR used the location as a distribution center to assist local communities affected by the hurricane. As a result, a partnership formed between the two institutions. UMCOR decided to maintain the campus as a location to assemble and deploy relief supplies to the world, and the depot was organized in 1996.
At UMCOR Sager Brown, volunteers can put their faith into action by participating in the many outreach programs provided, including the opportunity for volunteers to assemble relief supply kits that reach vulnerable communities around the world. Equipped to house individuals and teams, the Sager Brown campus welcomes short-term mission trips for United Methodists and people of other faith traditions.
Last year, 4,000 volunteers served at both UMCOR depot locations, UMCOR Sager Brown and UMCOR West Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah. Between the two locations, volunteers gave 40,500 hours of their time, completing 119 community projects. Volunteer service enables this outreach ministry to have a tremendous impact on the world. In 2016, Sager Brown distributed $6,023,591 in relief supplies domestically and abroad.
Bella DiFilippo, program area liaison from Mission Engagement for Global Ministries.
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, UMCOR Sunday calls United Methodists to share the goodness of life with those who hurt. Your gifts to UMCOR Sunday lay the foundation for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to share God's love with communities everywhere. The special offering underwrites UMCOR's "costs of doing business." This helps UMCOR to keep the promise that 100 percent of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs.
When you give generously on UMCOR Sunday, you make a difference in the lives of people who hurt. Give now.
