Volunteers are still needed for the “Sellers Blitz” – scheduled for Jan. 13-14 in the flood-ravaged Marion County town.
This event, organized by the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, will be similar to the successful “Nichols Blitz” held last month – but different in some important ways.
You’ll still have the chance to help people devastated and left homeless by flooding in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Dozens of Sellers homes were flooded and many residents had to be rescued by boat.
If you are interested, click here to register online.
But where the work in Nichols was limited to “mucking out” flood-soaked homes, the work in Sellers will include such tear-out efforts – but some work will involve removing yard debris, and some small rebuilding projects also are scheduled.
Matt Brodie, disaster response coordinator for the S.C. Conference, likened the work that awaits in Sellers to an experience with which many United Methodists are familiar: “a two-day Salkehatchie.”
Conference disaster response officials are looking to recruit as many volunteers as possible – individuals, church groups, Sunday school classes, etc. – to come to Sellers, which is just north of Marion in the Marion District, and put them to work on as many houses as possible.
“People here don’t have anything,” said Sellers Mayor Barbara Hopkins. “The need is huge. We appreciate anything people give the town of Sellers.”
The only requirement to participate in the “Sellers Blitz” is that you must be 18 or older. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed. Specially trained S.C. UMC Early Response Team leaders will be on hand to guide the work.
ERT-trained people who want to do chainsaw or roof work should contact Billy Robinson at 803-539-8429 or brpraisejesus@aol.com.
Please bring your own tools and equipment, if possible: hammer, prybar, gloves, protective eyewear, and wear closed-toed shoes. ERT leaders will provide protective masks and all the expertise you need.
Volunteers can work one day or both. Housing is being arranged for those wanting to stay overnight at a warehouse in nearby Mullins. You will need to bring your own bedding materials, including pillows, but we will provide Army cots. To make housing arrangements, contact Mike Evans at 864-358-9106 or meevans@umcsc.org.
Lunch will be provided on both days, but breakfast and dinner are on your own.
- Have questions? Email Matt Brodie at mbrodie@umcsc.org, or call the Conference Center at 803-786-9486. Or contact the disaster response coordinator in your district.
- If you can’t make it to the Jan. 13-14 event but you still want to help, we’ll be scheduling other “Work Blitz” weekends in other communities around the state where the need is great.
- Upcoming ERT classes: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 21 at Highland Park UMC in Florence and Zion UMC in Anderson. Contact Billy Robinson at 803-539-8429 or brpraisejesus@aol.com for more information or to register.
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 the United Methodist Committee on Relief to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies in the United States.
- Pray for the safety of those affected by the flooding, Early Response Teams and others providing relief efforts.
