Gov. Nikki Haley and a host of volunteers assembled boxes of relief supplies Friday, Oct. 28, for victims of Hurricane Matthew and the subsequent flooding. PHOTOS BY MATT BRODIE
MARION – Gov. Nikki Haley and a host of volunteers descended on Marion County on Friday to distribute Hurricane Matthew relief supplies donated by South Carolina United Methodists and other groups from around the state.
“Team South Carolina Pee Dee Day” provided much needed supplies to residents from Darlington, Dillon, Florence and Marion counties who are still reeling after the storm and the subsequent flooding of rivers in the area.
Many of the supplies were donated by folks all along the United Methodist Connection – cleaning buckets and health kits provided by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, bottled water from a United Methodist warehouse in North Carolina, towels donated by United Methodist churches and individuals from across South Carolina.
Need help? Call the disaster response hotline of the S.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church at 800-390-4911 or email screcovery@umcsc.org. Spanish-language hotline: 844-344-2270.
“There’s a lot of need in the Marion District,” said Matt Brodie, disaster response coordinator for the S.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church. “I’m very proud of how the United Methodist connection has been a resource and a point of hope for so many people who are struggling.
“It’s great that we as a denomination are able to partner with government agencies to help provide relief to Hurricane Matthew victims.”
A box of relief supplies assembled Friday by volunteers at the “Team South Carolina Pee Dee Day” in Marion.
Haley and others formed an assembly line at the Marion County Administrative Building, stuffing boxes with health kits, paper towels, toilet paper, water and towels. Those in need also could pick up cleaning buckets, diapers and other supplies provided by non-profit organizations.
The event also gave storm victims a chance to learn what other resources state and federal agencies and non-profit groups are making available to families and businesses to help them along their path to recovery. Among other services, residents could register for financial assistance from FEMA, apply for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, apply for unemployment benefits and food and financial assistance, and get help with insurance claims.
The next relief event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Jasper County Farmer’s Market, 9935 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland.
“Team South Carolina Lowcountry Day” will serve residents impacted by the storm from Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton and Hampton counties.
How else can you help?
- Donate financially to the S.C. Conference’s disaster relief efforts and to UMCOR’s Advance U.S. Disaster Response, which allows UMCOR to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies in the United States.
- Pray for the safety of those affected by the storm, emergency responders, Early Response Teams and others providing relief efforts.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief provided boxes of health kits to be distributed to those in need after Hurricane Matthew and subsequent flooding.
