Work Crew for Augusta and Alternative Ways to Help
Dear Friends,
As we continue to respond to Hurricane Helene, we have heard a direct appeal from our sisters and brothers at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta. In the words of Senior Pastor Dr. Brandi Casto Waters, “Presbyterians with chainsaws and a willingness to work hard will be welcome for a while.”
We are putting together a crew to go to Augusta for the day this Friday, October 4. There is work to be done at Reid Memorial, Belle Terrace, and Covenant Presbyterian Churches, as well as at the homes of church members. You need not be an expert in tree removal or a chainsaw, just be willing to pitch in and help clean up.
Here’s the plan as it currently stands:
If you are able to go, please meet Dr. Baer in the church parking lot at 7:00 a.m. Friday morning. If there are enough folks, Dr. Baer will drive the church van, and our caravan will plan to arrive in Augusta between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. We will work until 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. and plan to be back in Athens between 5:30 and 6:30 Friday evening. If you are willing to go, please e-mail ryan@firstpresathens.org so we can alert our friends in Augusta as to how many Athenians are coming.
Please bring the following items with you:
- Work gloves
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Sunblock
- Enough water and food for yourself for the day
If you have them:
- Chainsaw (gas or battery powered)
- Handsaw
- Wheelbarrow/cart
Alternative ways to help:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is organizing relief efforts on the ground in the areas of great need and so we encourage anyone wanting to help financially to donate to PDA.
If you would like to donate items, Oconee Presbyterian Church is serving as a collection site for additional donations. There are critical needs for bottled water and non-perishable food items. OPC’s hours are Monday—Thursday, 8:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.