Local Churches Asked to Aid Hurricane Victims
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – Everyone in East Texas understands how a hurricane can change lives forever. From the high winds, heavy rains, and tornadoes and flooding in its wake, Hurricane Helene slammed into the southeast part of the country, leaving over 200 people dead and many still missing.
The high waters and widespread devastation have left many in North Carolina hopeless, with federal help slow in coming. Local churches have banded together to bring supplies, love and ministry to those affected, led by local pastors inviting others to join in.
The idea came from Pastor Mike Dew from Apple Springs Baptist Church and Bill Jones, Director of Missions for Neches River Baptist Association, who got in contact with Oteen Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina, to find out what help would do the best good. The two were able to secure a number of used containers, which will be filled with supplies, sent to the affected areas, and left there so locals can use them for storage, too.
“We found some containers we can purchase for $1,500 a piece. We talked about the logistics would be and began the process of seeing how many churches would be interested in doing it in our association,” Jones said. “And it has really snowballed. So, we just decided to open it up to anybody who wants to collect supplies and stuff, because those people out there are hurting.”
Jones said his association has reached out to local churches to assist in the effort, and anyone interested in helping should contact their church and encourage them to participate.
The church in Asheville sent some of the most needed items:
Food, Food Prep Supplies & Food Service Supplies: instant foods, ready-to-eat and shelf-stable foods, potted meat, Vienna sausages, canned meats, pork and beans, cereals, breakfast bars, flours, cornmeal, sugar, mixes, spices, and spice packs, oil, peanut butter, canned goods, dry goods, fruits, dried and canned fruits, soups, tea, coffee, protein bars, protein shakes, etc., cups, plates, forks, spoons, salt, soda, vinegar, granola, jerky, meat sticks
Baby Supplies: Baby formula, baby food, infant food, wipes, diapers
Medicine and Medical Items: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Oxygen tanks, Benedryl, Itch gel, quick dissolve Benedryl, burn gel, first aid supplies, adult supplies, vitamins, medicines
Tools & Clearing Equipment & Supplies: duct tape, tarps, wire cutters, extension cords, batteries, skill saws and blades, bow saws, ladders, pressure washer, generator, propane tanks, saw oil, gas can, rakes, shovels, shop towels, drivers and drills, screws, channel lock pliers, hammers, reciprocal saws and blades, chainsaw, Chainsaw mix, blowers, bleach, cleaning vinegar, Clorox wipes, shop rags, battery packs, jumper box, chargers, leaf bags, plumbing or electrical supplies, rubber non-slip rugs, aluminum ramps, portable bridges, Coleman fuel, lighters, propane tanks, hedge trimmers, window putty, work gloves, brushes, bee spray
Household & Cleaning Items: Toilet paper, paper towels, flashlights, batteries, paper products, disinfectant cleaners, germicidals, mop buckets, mops, brooms and dustpans, squeegees, floor squeegees, charcoal, trash bags, light bulbs, window cleaner, gloves, Rubbermaid containers, laundry detergents and supplies, baskets, dish detergents, steel wool, scour pads
Hygiene & Toiletry Supplies: Feminine supplies, razors and shave cream, shampoo and body wash, toothpaste and toothbrushes, towels and wash clothes
Clothing-Only These Items: New Winter Outerwear: Coats & Jackets, Socks, Gloves, Scarves, Hats
Ministry Wish List: Projector, Projection Computer, Sound System, Washer & Dryer, Water Heater.
“We’re going to get the stuff in, label it, different churches are going to have collection points, and then we’ll put it in the cargo trailers, and we’ve got some drivers who will be taking them to Asheville and dropping them off and leaving them with the church,” Jones explained.
Anyone who has lived through the devastation after a hurricane will understand how the lack of some of the simple items on the list can complicate life, especially when you are trying to pick up what’s left and get back to normal.
For those unable to donate, The Messenger suggests one of the best ways to reach out to those affected – they always need and appreciate prayers from the good people in Houston County, so God may ease their suffering.
“Our churches are amazing. I tell you, our people, are some of the most generous, giving and good-hearted people anywhere in the world, right here in the East Texas area,” Jones concluded.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
