In reply to Daniel Longden.

The LCMS has set up a specific fund for disaster response in Puerto Rico. There are several ways to give:

• Text “LCMSPuertoRico” to 41444 to make a mobile gift.
• Call 888-930-4438 to give over the phone.
• Make checks payable to “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod” with the memo line or a note indicating the gift is for “Puerto Rico Relief,” “Disaster Response” or “Hurricane Relief” and send to:

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Mission Advancement
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

In the coming days, a team of LCMS disaster leaders and missionaries will travel to the island to begin assessment and planning of our response efforts. We will be pushing updates as we have them on the plans and progress. Financial gifts are the most useful and versatile way to provide help, allowing those on the ground to determine needs and apply those donations for the purchase of items needed to help with recovery efforts. If you are wondering about contributing durable goods, CBS News recently issued a fresh release of a 2016 story about how disaster relief can sometimes get in the way.