The Office of Emergency Management called Saturday requesting help on Tuesday the 12th to assess the damages. We had 13 volunteers from Schweitzer report to the OEM Tuesday. These teams reported over 350 damaged homes in Greene County alone. Ryan Nichols called asking me to express his appreciation to all for the quick response and great coverage.
The Director of The Office of Emergency Management has requested Schweitzer to provide at least five two person assessment teams for this Tuesday May 12th. The teams will report to the OEM at 8:00 AM Tuesday for instructions will then proceed to Douglas County to assess storm damage.
There has been no other requests for help at this time.
We have reports of trees down around the city, however have not been called out as yet. I am awaiting a call from the OEM. Their lines are jammed.
Last friday Feb. 27th 4 people from the Word Alive class helped the family with the roofless duplex again. The family requested help in moving 30 plus boxes to storage for them.
Thank you Word Alive.
The Word Alive Sunday School class is requesting help to move two disabled families this Saturday Feb. 21 at 10:00 AM. These families live in adjoining tornado damaged duplexes. Tweetie Bird will be used to transport the belongings. The landlord is providing them a replacment home. The homes are located at 2768 west Lark and will be moved to 501 E. Downing.
Please call Ed with any questions 300-4056
We have had a request for help in Sikeston Missouri. The Ozark United Methodist Response team is leaving Wednesday morning at 9:00 A.M. They will be in Sikeston at the First United Methodist Church for 3 days. Schweitzer will not be sending a team however Ozark would love to have any volunteers who would like may join them. Sleeping arrangements have been arranged at the church. Please call Ed if you have questions. 300-4056
George Blowers will lead a second team of volunteers to Harrison Arkansas this Saturday Feb 7th. The team will leave the church at 8:00 A.M. The team will return around 5:00 P.M. You can find comments from the first trip on this site.
All transportation will be provided. We also provide SUMC Disaster Hats, gloves, tools, and water. You must wear hard sole shoes, no sneakers. A Breakfast consisting of Bannas,Oranges, Grapes, and Apples along with juice and coffee will be provided. Lunch will be provided in Harrison.
Please call Ed at 300-4056 if you are able to join the team.
Wednesday, 10 members of the Schweitzer UMC Disaster Relief team, headed by George Blowers, traveled to Harrison, Arkansas to assist with ice storm cleanup. The effort was coordinated with the pastor of Southern Hills Missionary Baptist Church just south of Harrison. With that pastor and one parishoner working right along side, we were able to put chain saws and strong backs to work clearing five yards. By the end of the day, five households of very grateful elderly and financially or physically challenged folks had properties cleared of storm debris. One of the elderly ladies stood on her porch in chilly weather the entire time watching and smiling. As we prepared to move on to the next property, she couldn't stop telling us thank you, and even tried to offer us money, eventually giving it to her pastor. As he tried to give it to us later in the day, we told him he could do one of two things with the money....either ask her to take it back while expressing our appreciation that she offered it, or put it in his own church's offering plate.
Ladies from the church provided a wonderful lunch for us during the day...and we won't tell who those were that had seconds on some very delicious home baked deserts!!
As we returned to Springfield Wednesday afternoon, we had 10 volunteers who were very tired, but also feeling very blessed for the experience.
Doing this type of work is definitely one of those situations where the volunteers are blessed beyond measure. Amidst all of the chainsaw noise and dragging of brush, I KNOW the spirit of God touched everyone involved in this effort.
Phil
This is a new informational site for disaster relief response teams.
