03/28/2024
Spread the love

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by Joy Warren
I’ve heard it said that Facebook stifles relationships and causes people to stay to themselves with little face to face interaction with others.  This week, I have seen firsthand how a group of “Facebook Friend” helped to make a positive impact on not only Bladen County, but also Robeson and Columbus Counties.
It all started with an idea by some friends to gather a few items to take to shelters for victims of Hurricane Matthew.  My daughter and I saw the post on Facebook requesting donations, so we decided that would be a great way to help others.
After dropping off the items we saw another post that the site was moving to Kinlaw Furniture Warehouse because they were receiving so many items.  All because Facebook friends started sharing the message through social media.  That’s how the Etown Disaster Relief Site came to be.  On top of that, we found out they needed help at the site.  Needing to be of service and “do something” we headed to the site to help.
It has truly been a blessing to be a part of this core group of volunteers, who on Friday will be on their third day of service.  Grandmas, teenagers, retirees, teachers, coaches and community members have worked tirelessly to gather, organize, and deliver (at this writing) 2 box truckloads (thank you Campbell Oil Co. for the truck, and Etown Police Department for the escort) to Robeson County shelters, Bladen County shelters and Fair Bluff UMC.  Countless individuals have also transported items to shelters at East Bladen and Kelly.  Every time a need was presented, the team jumped into action, usually getting the word out by Facebook.
The response from the people of Bladen County and even as far away as Myrtle Beach has been tremendous.  I think we have filled the building up at least 4 or 5 times and cleaned it out with deliveries and started over again.    I am proud and humbled by this experience and to be a part of the Facebook Friends.  And even though the young people say “Facebook is being taken over by old people” — at least I know that we can get the job done!
The Etown Disaster Relief Site will be open on Friday from 10:00 a.m. operated by a bunch of Facebook Friends.  We’ll stay until we have posted it, shared it, shown it, responded to it and made it happen.  Be a part of this amazing project by bringing your donations to the site located behind Kinlaw Furniture.

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