| Volunteers now sought for La Plata By Melissa Lauber UMConnection Staff The community of La Plata, which was struck by a tornado in April, is now ready to receive Volunteers in Mission teams to assist in rebuilding efforts, said the Rev. Sheldon Reese, Washington East District disaster relief coordinator. Particularly needed are workers to remove thousands of tree stumps. Volunteer team coordinators or individuals who wish to help should call Kathie Evans at (301) 609-7492 or (301) 643-6027. At the annual conference session June 7, Washington East District superintendent, the Rev. Mary Jane Coleman, speaking on behalf of La Plata UMCs pastor and congregation, thanked all the area churches that made contributions. At least 157 United Methodist churches responded with gifts to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, totaling $89,455, said the Rev. Jim Knowles-Tuell, Baltimore-Washington Conference treasurer. Some churches also contributed directly to the congregation for the rebuilding of the facility. According to church officials, the church had received $32,325 for its recovery fund as of June 11. An additional $5,000 was contributed for a restricted fund to assist area families and $500 was given to help families in the congregation. Those wishing to contribute financially to disaster relief can send funds to UMCOR. All money contributed to UMCOR goes to assist the people in the community in need, Coleman said. Contributions should be made out to the conference treasurer and designated to Domestic Disaster Relief, #901670-1, and marked with the notation Maryland Tornado. They should be mailed to the conference. Contributions to the church can be mailed to La Plata UMC, P.O. Box 2824, La Plata, MD 20646. | 
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