Greenwood Residents Show Resilience and Community Spirit Amid Power Outages
In the charming city of Greenwood, something remarkable is happening amid an unfortunate situation. The residents of Mathews Mill Village have been navigating their lives without power for nearly a week due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. However, the absence of electricity hasn’t dimmed the strong community spirit shining through in the village.
Community Champions Step Up
Marilyn Bloodworth and Toya Davis have become community champions, stepping up to help their neighbors when they need it the most. The duo has partnered with their local church and businesses in pouring out their best efforts to provide hot meals and moral support to families affected by the outages. “The power of two has worked wonders,” laughs Marilyn, who has tirelessly driven around Abbott Avenue personally checking on the residents.
With a trusty vehicle and a heart full of compassion, Marilyn Bloodworth moves through the neighborhood, offering warmth—both physical and emotional—to those who have been plunged into darkness, literally and metaphorically. Bags of hot chicken meals have been hand-delivered throughout the week, with the duo ensuring no corner of the village is left out.
A Bright Spot Amidst the Darkness
Residents like Rosa Fernandes, who lives on West Kirksey Drive, have not only faced the challenges of being without power but have also discovered a bright spot. Rosa and her family have received crucial support from Marilyn and Toya during this time. Reveling in the joy her children felt upon receiving a surprise pizza delivery is something the family will remember fondly.
Rosa expressed immense gratitude, saying, “These young ladies have thought beyond themselves, bringing hope when we were unsure of where our next meal would come from.” The support has not only nourished the families physically but also emotionally, reminding them of the importance of community and goodwill.
Bringing Dream Projects to Life
An interesting revelation in this scenario is the founding of the Mathews Mill Village Community Changers. Marilyn and Toya are on a mission to bring positive change to their neighborhood, wanting to make it a place everyone loves. Through monthly meetings with residents, law enforcement, and city officials, they discuss ways to enhance their surroundings. Yet, amid the current crisis, their focus is redirected to the immediate needs of their community. “We wanted to see what we can do right now,” Toya emphasizes.
The delicious warm meals are no end to the support. With assistance from fellow local businesses like The Pantry Shoppe, which generously distributed 100 hot dog meals recently, the duo has ensured that no one goes to bed hungry. Efforts like these inspire and breathe life into the neighborhood with every act of kindness paving the way for stronger community bonds. Rosa believes, “Knowing somebody is out there caring about you is more than anyone could ask for.”
Unity in Action
This situation in Mathews Mill Village is a striking example of how communities come together in times of crisis. Where the larger systems may falter, individuals like Marilyn and Toya rise to the occasion, reminding everyone that in darkness, a little help from a neighbor can light up the whole neighborhood with warmth, care, and empathy.
If you’d like to assist the Mathews Mill Village community or need assistance, connect with the energetic Marilyn Bloodworth and her initiative at mathewmillvillagecommunitychar@gmail.com. You can also stay updated through their community’s social media page. Together, acknowledging and supporting these efforts is how community members can continue demonstrating the power of two—or more—as they transition from recovery to thriving once more.
Keep Safe and Stay Connected
With favorable weather today, with abundant sunshine, a high of 72°F, and clear skies tonight, dipping to around 45°F, residents may find a welcome respite from challenging times, at least as far as the weather is concerned. Mathews Mill Village may be without power for now, but one could argue that they are in no shortage of community warmth and resilience. Let’s all take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible human spirit.
