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to rebuild
tornado homes
Although the Riegelwood tornado has faded from the headlines, your help is still needed in eastern Columbus County.
Church and social groups have stepped up to the plate to rebuild several homes destroyed in the storm, but they need labor and cash. Volunteers say household goods, furniture, toys and clothing are no good until someone has a roof and four walls where they can keep such possessions.
Still, a number of deserving people are still living under blue tarps and plywood. Their homes were damaged but not destroyed, and like many working class people, their insurance wasn’t enough to cover repairs. Building an entirely new house is a satisfying and honorable way to help someone, but repairing a needy grandmother’s roof is just as noble and necessary an effort.
As volunteers begin to flood back into Riegelwood to help, somebody will need to feed them. Outside work requires food and water, and every dime the relief effort can save at the grocery store is one more dime that will help someone go home again.
Our area showed an incredible outpouring of care and concern on the morning of Nov. 16 and for some time since. Now, as people are so close to returning to normal lives, isn’t the time to fall victim to “donor exhaustion.” It would be to our credit if we complete the job.
Take some time to call volunteer coordinator Melody Prevatte and find out how you can help. Her number is 642-7141, ext. 294. Even folks who can’t use a hammer can help.
And the people you help today may be the ones who turn out to help you if disaster strikes again.
To help, call Gail Joyner at 612-2095.