The devastating news of a major earthquake in Turkey and northern Syria is heart wrenching.  News of rescues and recovery leave one wondering what we can do in the midst of such tragedy.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is a four-star rated charity and a reliable way to get funds to those most in urgent need.  This link will take you to Episcopal Relief and Development’s earthquake support page where you can help provide critical relief to communities in Turkey and Syria impacted by the earthquake.

We can offer prayers for those who lost their lives and pray for the grieving families and loved ones.  We can pray for those who lost homes and have inadequate shelter in the face of winter’s cold winds.  But we can also provide financial assistance – a concrete offering to help those who are suffering.

God, our times are in your hand. In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

– The Rev. Lyndon Harris, from the Episcopal Diocese of New York disaster preparedness plan

Be part of an historic event called Bunks Across America (BAA 2021) on June 12, 2021.

BAA 2021 is gathering 15,000 volunteers in 46 states across the country to build beds for children who don’t have beds to sleep in.  This day should stand as a revelation to those who don’t know there is a problem and a beacon of hope to those who don’t know there is a solution. We want as many people as possible to get involved to be a part of the solution.  The Northern Virginia/Washington DC Chapter of BAA 2021 will build 100 beds for kids to be distributed in the coming weeks.

Each recipient child receives a handmade bed, and brand-new bedding – including mattress, comforter, blanket, sheets, and pillow! There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering to donating, but what we need most is for you to spread the word about BAA 2021 and help us make history!

BAA 2021 is an outreach project of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP).  To learn more about SHP go to SHPbeds.org or contact the local president at [email protected].

SHP/BAA 2021 is not an Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) program, but its work will benefit children in Annandale and Northern Virginia.  This information is provided to you on behalf of ACCA and SHP.