Community Corner
A Whirlwind of Help Needed For Tornado Victims
It's time to put homes and lives back together again after last week's devastating storms. Here's how you can be in the right place at the right time for those who weren't.
Tornadoes leave destruction and a sense of despair in their wake, but they're no match for the spirit and hope brought about by those who lend a helping hand afterwards.
Most of us slept through the storms and tornadoes last week. Before going to bed, some of us thought of "those other" counties that typically show up on the weather radar for watches and warnings. Some of us even tried to visualize the tornadoes in our mind's eye as they ripped through farmlands and small towns.
On the edge of sleep, the enormity of a tornado seems somehow impossible.
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But the towns are real, the losses immeasurable, and life "back to normal," will be a long time coming for many of Georgia's tornado victims.
This is the time when you can bring hope back into the lives of those who have lost it all. If you've ever wondered how people pick up the pieces and start over again, the answers are often found in your own two hands.
Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Many relief efforts have begun for some of Georgia's most devastated counties. Your presence is welcome and very much needed whether it's the form of physical assistance or monetary donations.
"The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Red Cross have said that the greatest help right now would be monetary donations," said Director of Communications at Cumming First United Methodist Church, Neida Street.
"Every penny of the donations to UMCOR go directly to help disaster victims and all administrative costs are funded by the United Methodist Church. There are also work crews being formed through the Disaster Relief teams of the United Methodist Church," adds Street.
To join a work crew, contact Gary Gotfredson through Cumming First United Methodist Church or e-mail him at geg@americanmetalcraft.com
You can also give to UMCOR through Cumming First United Methodist Church or online at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/.
Another easy way to help is through a local effort spearheaded by Cumming resident, Edvique Shaver. Shaver is creating personal care kits for displaced families. The kits contain grooming basics including shampoo, conditioner, soap and towels.
Shaver has already supplied Alabama with a number of kits and Georgia's devastated counties are soon to receive supplies.
"I am inspired by how blessed we are here in America , so I wanted to help. Our home burned down seven months ago and I was amazed at the outpouring of community support we received," said Shaver who attests that even with insurance, disasters are extremely difficult for families to work through.
The drop-off location for toiletry items is located at 5335 Avonshire Lane, Cumming, GA 30040.
Contact: Edvique Shaver-678-6291699
Finally, if you're a hands-on helper you also have the option of taking your help directly to the heart of the matter in any of the following counties:
PINE LOG:
Needs: Chain saws are needed for tree and debris removal.
Contact: Jeffrey Grubbs- 770-823-8445.
PICKENS COUNTY/JASPER:
Needs: The Command Center is open now through Friday, May 6. Volunteers are needed to distribute food, serve hot meals, and deliver to families. Help is also needed at the distribution center with debris clean-up and removal.
Contact: Terri- 770-878-1992.
GRIFFIN:
Needs: Volunteer teams are needed for tree removal. Bobcats with claws on the front are also needed for moving cut trees.
Contact: Bill Hightower - 404-402-0480.
MANCHESTER:
Needs: Manchester First UMC is providing lunches for school children who are not in school due to schools being damaged. They need peanut butter and
jelly, small waters and individual powdered drink mixes (e.g. Gatorade
mix).Volunteers are also needed to help prepare the sandwiches Monday - Friday at 10 a.m. at the church (206 Broad St, Manchester).
Chain saws for tree removal and debris cleanup are also needed. Bobcats or small tractors are needed to move trees to curb for pickup.
Contact: Steven Soulen -706-601-5368
FLOYD COUNTY:
Needs: The Floyd County EMA Crisis Center serves as a place to interview storm victims, match needs to volunteers, and distribute some items. Volunteers are needed to serve in the center. Work teams to go out in the field are also needed. These include teams of people who can clear debris, certified to run a chainsaw, provide strong backs and willing hearts.
Contact: Jim Bradshaw-770-546-4766.
RINGGOLD:
Needs: Chainsaws are needed for tree and debris removal. Help is also needed for putting tarps on roofs and equipment is in demand for helping to move cut trees.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator- 706-935-2424 (extension 1028)
Additionally, a call center has been established at Simpsonwood to help match cleanup and repair needs with volunteer teams.
Contact: 678-533-1443
Check the news page at www.ngumc.org or www.facebook.com/ngaumc for the latest information on how you can help.
