Spread the love

[slideshow_deploy id=’140900′]

By Charlotte Smith

Areas in Bladen County are still not safe due to the record breaking flood waters and some residents are still displaced. The devastation seen in the past nine days is debilitating and it continues, but the calmness, peace and love found in so many since Hurricane Florence first hit land brings hope. Areas in Bladen County are still not safe due to the flooding and parts of North Carolina are not safe for traveling according to NC Emergency Management officials.

The large group of emergency responders, government employees, law enforcement officers, political officials, faith based leaders, utilities workers, truck drivers and volunteers helping with disaster relief is astounding. Their calculated calmness is inspiring.

After witnessing a pregnant lady and her children being rescued from the flood waters in Kelly, NC and talking with a cancer patient who came home from the hospital to an apartment flooded in Clarkton, NC the agony is easily felt. Destroyed homes, families evacuated, farmlands flooded and animals lost are the heart wrenching casualties our communities must now recover from since the storm has subsided.

[slideshow_deploy id=’140913′]

Those working on the front lines with Emergency Operations continue to do an outstanding job with life saving missions, rumor control and keeping communication open for those who need help. Some say award worthy service has been witnessed during this time of disaster.

Random citizens offer assistance in numerous ways. Lin and Ann Weeks of Bladen County gave shelter to a Wilmington couple with three dogs seeking refuge from the raging storm we called Hurricane Florence. This is just one of many stories of the caring humanity shown during this trying times. The citizens of the mother county have opened their homes, pantries, and their wallets to help the victims of the horrific storm.

[slideshow_deploy id=’140942′]

Recovery from this hurricane will take weeks, months, maybe even years. Many want to help, but are not certain what steps to take in order to assist those in need.

Mike Yoder, Coordinator of Emergency Programs with N.C. State Extension advised people to donate funding for Hurricane victims in a video interview released by the North Carolina State Extension. In the interview Yoder said, “After a natural disaster like Hurricane Florence, we all want to help victims of the storm.”

He explained, “The best thing you can do is to contribute funds to volunteer agencies and faith based organizations that have coordinated efforts on the ground in those local communities who are prepared to aid those survivors in those local communities.”

Yoder gave reason for his suggestion by saying, “Too often we send truck loads of supplies…, that volunteers don’t have time to unload and store for later use. By donating funds we are freeing up those first responders and volunteers to meet the immediate needs of those most affected by the disaster.”

He continued, “The second thing we are doing is pouring much needed funding into the local communities as they buy many of those goods and services from local businesses and vendors in the area. Those funds actually help the businesses recover more quickly which helps the community recovery more quickly.”

Our staff here at BladenOnline.com has been asked numerous times how can help be given to the victims of this storm.

[slideshow_deploy id=’140957′]

BladenOnline.com made a directory of Bladen County Churches with addresses and phone numbers of the local churches. Find the directory here if you would like to find a church to donate to for relief funding.

Please note on your monetary donations the funds are to be used for hurricane relief efforts. Below are some of the local Bladen County nonprofits accepting donations. In addition to the local organizations there are some state and national nonprofits helping with hurricane relief efforts.

Local donations:

Bladen County Firefighters Association donations can made to Bladen County Fire Association or BCFFA and may be mailed to BCFFA P.O. Box 238, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 or BCFFA at 5853 US Hwy 701 N. Elizabethtown, NC 28337.

Baldwin Branch Baptist Church and WBLA Radio have been coordinating relief efforts. For donation information contact them at 910-862-2000 or visit them at 512 Peanut Plant Road in Elizabethtown.

David Foster, director with Bladen Baptist Association said donations may be sent to P. O. Box 62, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 to be distributed through the Bladen Baptist Association.

Jason Williams, Pastor of Foundation Bible Church said donations for hurricane recovery may be made on their website: https://www.cometothefoundation.org/

New Light Church member, Jeff Gause said citizens have been asking their church for tarps, Clorox, and cleaning supplies. Donations may be sent to PO Box 625, 103 Chestnut St., Bladenboro, NC 28320. Monetary donations may be made by visiting their website at: https://newlightchurch.info/give

Pastor Brandon Meadows, Pastor of Vertical Church said gift cards are welcome. Donations may be made by mail to Vertical Church, P.O. Box 397, Bladenboro, NC 28320 or may be made by visiting their website: http://govertical.org/give/giv e-now
National nonprofits:

Salvation Army

https://www.salvationarmy.org/

Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/

Baptist on Missions

https://baptistsonmission.org/ Donate/Hurricane-Florence-Donation