First, the Rev. Tom Dillard, a Presbyterian minister and police chaplain for Jeffersontown, Ky., successfully persuaded the city council — which was considering making a donation to aid Haiti — to make the $4,000 check out to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
A few days later, at his church’s annual chili cook-off and pie auction, Dillard volunteered to take a chocolate cream pie in the face to raise funds for Haiti, resulting in another $325 check.
Now Dillard’s church, Hopewell Presbyterian in Louisville, Ky., is collecting a special love offering for Haiti on — what else? — Valentine’s Day.
“I just figured, let’s extend this a little further,” said Dillard. “And this year, since Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday, it seemed natural.”
The Rev. Dillard and his congregation of about 170 members are urging other churches to follow their lead. “We would like to challenge all churches to take a special offering for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on Valentine’s Day, to show our love and support for the people of Haiti, and all those who are working so hard to help them now.”
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is accepting donations online; by phone at (800) 872-3283; and by mail: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which comprises 2.2 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the United States and the world.