Mennonite Central Committee aids typhoon survivors

(Ephrata) — A Lancaster County-based relief organization is helping to fund relief efforts in the Philippines, where the death toll from last week’s typhoon has already risen into the thousands.

Brian Snader, a constituency relations associate in the Mennonite Central Committee’s Ephrata office, says the group is already planning for the long-term, while it focuses on survivors’ most urgent needs.

“Immediate needs are things like food and clothing,” he says. “Long-term needs are looking more at shelter and how to rebuild, and how to create community again.”

Snader says the organization is working with its partner groups to fund a disaster response team and supplies. He adds MCC may have a physical presence on the island, as the long recovery and rebuilding process continues.