Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God's love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice.
It's been 100 years since we first started responding to basic human needs in southern Russia (present-day Ukraine). Now, we continue to work for relief, development and peace all over the world.
Because of the care that volunteers put into their work, the kits and comforters MCC sends through the MRC do more than meet basic human needs; they are an expression of God’s love and compassion.
The Material Resources Center (MRC) in Ephrata, Pa., functions to process and ship quality material resources for MCC both domestically and internationally. Caring volunteers provide the manpower behind the MRC while taking part in MCC's ministries. The MRC also offers educational opportunities to visitors and volunteers alike.
Donate kits and comforters
The MRC serves as a collection point in the U.S. for receiving, packing and shipping material resources donated by people responding to aid requests from MCC partners. This includes the many kits and comforters shipped domestically and internationally for MCC's ministries. For more information on any of the kits, click the links below:
The MRC relies on thousands of volunteers to do the hands-on work of the center. Churches, families, school groups and retirees donate their time to pack resources, quilt and work on recycling projects.
Volunteer activities at the MRC include:
Checking and packing kits, including school kits, relief kits and hygiene kits
Sewing upcycled items for our Hands of Love gift shop
Weaving rugs
Bundling comforters and blankets
Recycling books
Bundling cardboard, paper and clothing
Cutting t-shirts into rags
Cutting jeans for rugs and patches
Loading containers for shipment
Recycle through the MRC
Recycling initiatives help cover relief shipping costs and keep items out of the landfill. There are many things that can be recycled at the MRC. Please keep the sections together and don't mix them when dropping off your recycling.
OFFICE PAPER (staples are fine)
Paper (includes white and colored copy paper)
Envelopes (includes windows)
Index cards
Manila folders
Stationary
Carbonless paper
Brochures and advertisements from the mail
SHREDDED PAPER (please don’t shred it too finely)
NEWSPAPERS & PHONE BOOKS (advertisements that come in the newspaper can be left in)
MAGAZINES & CATALOGS
CARDBOARD BOXES (no pizza boxes or waxy juice or milk cartons)
BOOKS (hardback and paperback)
CELL PHONES (in any condition; no chargers or accessories)
CLOTHING/BELTS/PURSES (items need to have six months of wear left in them; sort into separate bags/boxes, including t-shirts and neckties)
SHOES (tie together using the strings or rubber bands)
FABRIC (large pieces that can be used for kits bags, comforter backs and other quilt room and sewing room projects)
The following cannot be recycled at the MRC:
Plastics of any kind (for example binders, jars, prescription bottles, etc.)
Educational opportunities such as tours, videos, learning activities and stories of MCC’s work around the world are provided for all ages, including younger children.
