After a storm strikes, you may be looking for a way to support those affected. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) assists victims of natural and man-made disasters all over the world. UMCOR collects hygiene, school, and cleaning kits for distribution within the United States. These supplies enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood or hurricane.

The video above teaches how to assemble a cleaning bucket. Buckets are collected at United Methodist Churches and are stored and distributed through a network of United Methodist Relief-Supply Warehouses across the United States.

Cleaning Kit

Value: $75 per kit

Cleaning Kit Materials

• One five-gallon round bucket with lid (14.35” h x 12.19” w x 12.19” d)
  • No screw lids
  • May be used, but must be free from all residual product
  • Advertisement on the outside acceptable
• One 32–64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent
• One 16–40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner
  • No spray cleaners
• One 16–34 oz. bottle liquid dish soap
• One 4–8 oz. pump spray air freshener
• One 6–14 oz. pump spray insect repellant (pack of 10–20 wipes also acceptable)
  • Pump spray bottles must have protective covers
• One scrub brush
  • With or without handle
• 18 re-usable cleaning wipes
  • No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels
  • Remove from packaging
• Five scouring pads
  • No stainless steel or pads with soap in them
  • Remove from packaging
• 36–50 clothespins
• One 50–100 ft. clothesline (cotton or plastic line)
• 24 roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33–45 gallon sizes)
  • Remove from packaging
• Five N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1–3 mm thickness)
  • No surgical masks
• Two pairs kitchen gloves
  • Durable for multiple uses
  • Remove from packaging
• One pair work gloves
  • Cotton with leather palm or all leather

Assembly Directions

• Place all liquid items on the bottom of the bucket.
• Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around and between the liquid items.
• Scouring pads and trash bags can be separated in order to fit all items in the bucket.
• Clothespins may also be placed in a small re-sealable bag.
• Secure the lid on the filled bucket.

Important Notes

• All items must be new with the exception of the bucket and lid.
• All cleaning agents must be in liquid form. No powders are accepted.
• If items have been omitted, label bucket. Please indicate which items are missing
• Sponges have been removed from the list of supplies due to the challenge of locating the non-cellulose sponges that prevent mildew. Non-cellulose sponges will be added to each bucket upon arrival at the affiliate warehouse.
• Do not include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits.
• Contents of kits or the containers of kits should not be imprinted with cartoon characters, advertisements, religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols

Instructions for Packing and Shipping Kits

• Packed buckets cannot exceed 70 pounds
• Complete two packing lists, one for your records and one for the shipping box.
• Place the shipping label/packing list on the outside of each box.
• Please send a check to Sager Brown for the total number of buckets times $3 per bucket for the cost of sponges and shipping. One check may be written for the entire donation.

For the most up to date and accurate Relief Supply Kit List, go to https://www.umcmission.org/umcor/serve/relief-supply-network