

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COGIC Charities Thanks Donors for Unprecedented Support of
2025 California Wildfire Relief Fund
Memphis, TN (January 21, 2025) – COGIC Charities, the benevolent arm of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. (COGIC), extends heartfelt gratitude to its donors for their overwhelming support of the 2025 California Wildfire Relief Fund. In a remarkable display of generosity, $300,000 was raised in less than an hour during COGIC’s Leadership Conference on Tuesday, January 14. Bishop J. Drew Sheard, the Presiding Bishop of COGIC and the President of COGIC Charities, led this tremendous effort.
“The outpouring of support for our brothers and sisters in California during this challenging time is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Bishop J. Drew Sheard. “We are deeply grateful for every contribution, large and small, that will provide much-needed relief to those affected by these devastating wildfires. This is the embodiment of faith in action and the spirit of community that defines the Church Of God In Christ.”
COGIC Charities acknowledges two of its largest contributors, Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Lady Karen Clark Sheard, and the Michigan North Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, for a donation of $50,000, and the Louise D. Patterson Trust, for a donation of $15,000. We also acknowledge the generous contributions from individuals, organizations, and churches that will provide critical aid to seven jurisdictions in California impacted by the wildfires, including:
- Bishop Roy Dixon, Southern California Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
- Bishop Joe L. Ealy, Southern California First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
- Bishop Jerry W. Macklin, First Assistant Presiding Bishop COGIC, Interim Jurisdictional Leader, Southern California Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
- Bishop Christopher Milton, Southern California Evangelistic Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
- Bishop Hillrie Murphy, California Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
- Bishop Charles G. Nauden, Southern California Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
- Bishop John Mark Richardson, California New Journey Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Funds raised will support local churches and members in affected areas, providing resources for recovery, rebuilding, and essential needs. The Church Of God In Christ and its members remain committed to demonstrating God’s love through compassionate action.
COGIC Charities encourages continued support for the California Wildfire Relief Fund as the need remains great. Donations can be made at www.cogic.org.
About COGIC Charities
COGIC Charities is the benevolent arm of the Church Of God In Christ, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. Through its programs, COGIC Charities provides assistance to communities affected by disasters, supports educational initiatives, and addresses critical needs across the globe.
For more information, contact:
COGIC Charities Public Relations
Email: [email protected]
