Distribution of Funds

The committee voted this morning to provide funding to Presbytery's Lazarus Fund, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Goats for Gifts.

In allocating our funds this way, the committee noted the deep need for Presbytery-wide support for the Lazarus Fund, whose budget well has run dry at a point in the year and the economy when many families are having an increasingly difficult time in covering costs of living. Sixth Church also dedicates the loose-plate offering collected on "fifth Sundays" to the Lazarus Fund.

Recent hurricanes have had a devastating effect on many. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is helping those recently hurt by Hurricane Ike, as well as people hurt through storm damages caused by Hurricanes Fay, Gustav, and Hanna.

Goats for Gifts helps women and children in Rwanda by providing goats as a means toward self-support (the goats provide both food and a source of income). Goats for Gifts is a remarkable organization for its lack of overhead costs, made possible through dedicated volunteer efforts.

Other entities that have received funding this year include Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, East End Cooperative Ministries, Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Neighborhood Academy, Mars Home for Youth, Camp Crestfield (scholarships), Presbytery's Malawi Partnership, Just Harvest, Church World Services, and the March for Darfur.