Leigh Cottage Fire
500 S. Columbia Drive Decatur, Georgia 30030-4197 404.327.5820 404.327.5835 (Facsimile, Administrative) 404.327.5822 (Facsimile, Programs)
Beverly O. Cochran, Jr. Administrator Richard A. Puckett Director, Public Relations and Development OFFICERS OF THE BOARD:
Gerry M. Davis Chairperson Ralph L. Jones Vice Chairperson Peggy F. Smith Secretary Edward P. Wimberly Treasurer DISTRICT OFFICES:
AUGUSTA: P.O. Box 2544 Augusta, Georgia 30903-2544 706.722.8669 706.724.7921 (Facsimile) NORTHWEST: P.O. Box 2222 Dalton, Georgia 30720-2222 706.278.4010 706.275.6796 (Facsimile) ROME-CARROLLTON: P.O. Box 5006 Rome, Georgia 30162-5006 706.295.3911 706.295.9252 (Facsimile)
November 7, 2007
Dear Pastor: As has been reported by various news outlets, Leigh Cottage on our campus in Decatur was destroyed in a fire on Thursday night, November 1. All of the residents and staff were safely evacuated and have been relocated to another building on campus. Though arson is suspected, the events leading up to the fire are still under investigation. Leigh Cottage housed nine young men, ages 16-18. They have each come to the Children’s Home because of previous traumatic experiences. Just when they found a safe place to call home, they have lost everything again. We covet your prayers for the boys and their staff as they come to terms with their loss. The Children’s Home is grateful for the outpouring of calls and e-mails offering support. The two most pressing needs are currently for prayers and financial contributions. Restoration will occur in two phases. First, we will be replacing the boys’ clothes and other lost possessions. They have all been shopping for clothing, linens and toiletries as a stop-gap measure, but funds to replace additional items are still needed. The larger, second phase of restoration will be the removal of debris and the rebuilding of Leigh Cottage. At this point we do not know the exact details, but we do know that we will require help beyond what our insurance will cover. If you would like to help with these needs above your normal Work Day gifts that are used for our regular budget support, please direct any financial contributions for fire restoration to the United Methodist Children’s Home, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur GA 30030. Label them “For Leigh Cottage Restoration,” and we will use them for the two phases above. Thank you again for your prayers and support of our ministry to children and families in crisis.
Sincerely,
Beverly O. Cochran, Jr.
Beverly O. Cochran, Jr. Administrator Richard A. Puckett Director, Public Relations and Development OFFICERS OF THE BOARD:
Gerry M. Davis Chairperson Ralph L. Jones Vice Chairperson Peggy F. Smith Secretary Edward P. Wimberly Treasurer DISTRICT OFFICES:
AUGUSTA: P.O. Box 2544 Augusta, Georgia 30903-2544 706.722.8669 706.724.7921 (Facsimile) NORTHWEST: P.O. Box 2222 Dalton, Georgia 30720-2222 706.278.4010 706.275.6796 (Facsimile) ROME-CARROLLTON: P.O. Box 5006 Rome, Georgia 30162-5006 706.295.3911 706.295.9252 (Facsimile)
November 7, 2007
Dear Pastor: As has been reported by various news outlets, Leigh Cottage on our campus in Decatur was destroyed in a fire on Thursday night, November 1. All of the residents and staff were safely evacuated and have been relocated to another building on campus. Though arson is suspected, the events leading up to the fire are still under investigation. Leigh Cottage housed nine young men, ages 16-18. They have each come to the Children’s Home because of previous traumatic experiences. Just when they found a safe place to call home, they have lost everything again. We covet your prayers for the boys and their staff as they come to terms with their loss. The Children’s Home is grateful for the outpouring of calls and e-mails offering support. The two most pressing needs are currently for prayers and financial contributions. Restoration will occur in two phases. First, we will be replacing the boys’ clothes and other lost possessions. They have all been shopping for clothing, linens and toiletries as a stop-gap measure, but funds to replace additional items are still needed. The larger, second phase of restoration will be the removal of debris and the rebuilding of Leigh Cottage. At this point we do not know the exact details, but we do know that we will require help beyond what our insurance will cover. If you would like to help with these needs above your normal Work Day gifts that are used for our regular budget support, please direct any financial contributions for fire restoration to the United Methodist Children’s Home, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur GA 30030. Label them “For Leigh Cottage Restoration,” and we will use them for the two phases above. Thank you again for your prayers and support of our ministry to children and families in crisis.
Sincerely,
Beverly O. Cochran, Jr.
