Greenwood Unites to Support Community After Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Greenwood Comes Together to Help Those Hit by Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the tight-knit community of Greenwood has banded together to lend a helping hand to those in need. Despite the mainly cloudy weather and fluctuating winds forecasted at a high of 81°F and a low of 63°F, the spirit of camaraderie shone brightly amid the clouds.

On Tuesday, the scene on Bypass 72 Northwest was a poignant blend of compassion and resilience. As people from all over the area lined up in their cars, waiting to collect essential supplies, it was clear that good deeds can’t be deterred by a storm’s aftermath. Greenwood First Assembly of God facilitated a drive-through distribution event that brought hope and practical relief to the affected community members.

Partnering with the Convoy of Hope, the church managed to distribute 32,000 pounds of non-perishable food, hygiene items, and water. This essential aid reached a staggering 2,068 people, showing that in times of need, Greenwood knows how to rally support and offer sincere help.

A Community-Driven Effort

What’s truly inspiring is that all this was made possible thanks to countless volunteers who wanted nothing more than to help their fellow citizens. Richard Farrell, the senior pastor, encapsulated the sentiment by saying, “This is our way of giving back to Greenwood, especially during such a difficult time for our city.” The church and its volunteers sought to remind their neighbors that they are not alone in this challenging time.

Amidst the many volunteers was young Camden Bryant. At only nine years old, Camden became a symbol of hope and kindness, praying over each vehicle that passed through the distribution site. His gesture didn’t go unnoticed, either, as many recipients felt touched by his sincerity. When asked about his role, Camden replied humbly, “I’m just helping out the community.”

Tears of Relief

While the event was filled with hope, it also ushered in waves of emotion for many. Richard Farrell shared that the emotional responses were frequent, “people driving up, they see what we’re giving them, and they start crying.” It appears that the simple acts of kindness amid hardship can sometimes be overwhelming in the best way possible.

One volunteer, Holly Lindley, expressed her gratitude for being able to contribute, “This is such a tragedy. I mean, you can’t really do anything right now.” But just as Lindley pointed out, “it’s not a lot, but it’s something,” reflecting a sentiment of humility and care.

Looking to the Future

This debut drive-through distribution from Greenwood First Assembly of God could very well set a precedent for future relief efforts. While Pastor Farrell hopes such disasters are far and few between, he’s open to facilitating future outreach initiatives. “We’re not even necessarily asking people to come to our church,” he shared, “but just letting them know we’re here to help.”

It’s clear from this event that the community of Greenwood takes pride in being there for one another. In moments of adversity, it came as no surprise that they collectively provided a strong shoulder of support, resonating a lasting impact far beyond the storm’s wrath.