Strange Brews In The News

Seaford Leader  September 14, 2005

Churches, businesses pitching in with help

By Glenn Rolfe, The Leader & State Register

SEAFORD - Relief for Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Katrina is being generated nationwide, in Delaware and western Sussex County, where the thrusts include church, bank and business efforts.

Following are relief projects or efforts received by The Leader & State Register.

l STRANGE BREWS: Strange Brews Coffee & Tea House in Seaford will support the relief effort by donating 10 percent of its sales during Open Mic Nights on Tuesday and Thursday as well as during the Open Jam session on Friday night.

These fund-raisers began Tuesday and will take place for two weeks, Strange Brews owner Joseph Parish said.

Strange Brews is at 324 High St. in downtown Seaford.

For more information, call Mr. Parish at 628-1036.

l ST. JOHN'S UMC: The Rev. Boyd Etter, pastor at St. John's United Methodist Church, said the congregation has been given the opportunity to respond with donations of money through a church-related agency called United Methodist Committee On Relief.

"All the funds go directly to hurricane relief; 100 percent of the gift with nothing being subtracted for administrative or overhead costs," said Pastor Etter.

In addition, the church hopes to deliver some clothing goods.

"We are also searching for a means by which some good, used clothing from our St. John's Thrift Shop could be transported to the region. We have not yet ascertained a means by which that could take place in a way that would ensure delivery," Pastor Etter said. "We are exploring some avenues by which we hope that can happen."

l CITIZENS BANK: Citizens Bank, with 24 branches based in Delaware, announced Friday it has launched a company-wide effort on behalf of the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Citizens Bank will accept donations at all branches on behalf of both agencies to aid in relief efforts. The agencies said 100 percent of all such donations will be sent directly to the region affected by Hurricane Katrina.

In addition, Citizens Bank will match donations made to The Salvation Army by Citizens Bank employees through Sept. 30. The corporate contribution will be made by Citizens Bank and Charter One Charitable Foundation.

l DVFA: In a statewide effort, the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association is collecting funds and fire service gear and apparatus, said Seaford Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Ron Marvel.

Donations of equipment and gear will go to departments impacted by the hurricane.

Monetary donations are welcome in the relief effort.

"They (contributors) can contact their local fire department," said Mr. Marvel.

l HAPPY HARRY'S: Happy Harry's is collecting donations to benefit the American Red Cross and their efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

In addition, Happy Harry's will contribute $10,000 to the relief effort. Customers wishing to make a monetary contribution to assist those affected by our country's recent tragedy may do so through $1 and $5 donation certificates. These certificates are available at all 75 Happy Harry's locations.

All monies collected will go directly to the American Red Cross to aid in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Financial contributions will enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Customers donating at Happy Harry's will receive a receipt for their records.

Happy Harry's Inc., based in Newark, has 75 locations in four states - Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.

Post your comment on this issue at newsblog.info/0511.

News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe2newszap.com.