Mennonite Disaster Service reports hours and volunteers

PATEROS – At the annual meeting of the Okanogan County Long Term Recovery Group (OCLTRG), Michelle WhiteEagle, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Region 4 Board Chair, delivered a report of MDS expenses and volunteers for the period of November 2021 through January 2023.

Volunteers came from 20 states and two Canadian provinces, and many served more than once on Okanogan projects.

“Volunteers came to serve survivors but the relationship with OCLTRG made them return,” said WhiteEagle. “The reputation and rapport built between OCLTRG and MDS volunteers was a big influence and drew people in.”

WhiteEagle said one newlywed couple experienced their first MDS service in Okanogan and another found their love connection after they first met in Okanogan and married in March 2023.

“Okanogan was the first project I was involved with from the start as Regional Board Chair,” said WhiteEagle. “Serving in Okanogan has been an encouraging and building opportunity for the Washington Unit and Region 4. OCLTRG has set a standard for other LTRG’s working with MDS.”

Expenses and volunteers

• Nov. 2021 - $17,336.48, 11 weekly, 4 daily volunteers x 2 weeks,  totaling 114 volunteer days.

• Jan.-April 2022 - $270,495.93, 159 weekly/monthly volunteers   x 17 weeks totaling 1,509 volunteer days.

• Sept.-Oct. 2022 - $13,072.85, 24 volunteer days x5 weeks, totaling 165 volunteer days.

• Jan 2023 - $2,195.29 – 5 volunteersx1 weeks. totaling 25 volunteer days.

• April 2023 – $4,250 known expenses. Support still in process.

• 203 volunteers over 25 weeks totaling 1,813 volunteer days.

Total: $307,350.55