Earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, tornadoes in the American south, and a hunger crisis in the horn of Africa are a few reasons why 2011 is shaping up to be a record-setting year when it comes to the cost of natural disasters. Total losses for the first six months of 2011 top out in the $265 billion range - and that was before Hurricane Irene blew through the eastern seaboard of the U.S. this past weekend.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has been there to help with these and other natural disasters. You can give online here to support the U.S. Disaster Fund, or give through your local church using these instructions from the Conference Treasurers Office.

More information and stories:

UMCOR's Facebook page 

UMCOR story on Hurricane Irene

United Methodist News Service story by Linda Bloom