Sophia Newby is nearing 26 years working with the Salvation Army.
“Come Thanksgiving,” she said.
That’s a lot of days — and in some cases — many weeks spent in areas in need of aid from the worldwide service organization.
“I was involved for so long after Katrina,” said Newby. “You never know where they’ll need you.”
Newby and Darris Thornton, both of Mobile, Ala., were in the parking lot behind the C.C. Mc-Cray City Auditorium Wednesday afternoon giving out meals to those lined up in cars or walking up to the organization’s food service pickup truck.
Organizations like the Salvation Army and Red Cross, dozens of churches and businesses, along with some individuals came to the aid of all in need in the hours and days following Hurricane Helene’s visit late September 26 and early September 27.
Dozens of cars wait in line Wednesday afternoon at Remnant Church on Memorial Drive where a variety of baby supplies, water, bags of non-perishable food and some personal toiletries were available. Photo by RICK NOLTE
From free prepared meals like those from Newby and Thornton to non-perishable food as well as water, ice, baby needs, and a host of other items, the many good samaritans sought to bring a sense of normalcy to the chaos created by the storm.
“Tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, about everything all over,” Newby said of her travels with the organization as she and Thornton passed out the last dozen of the more than 800 meals of the afternoon.
Jerry J’s closed its doors from the late morning until early afternoon Wednesday to prepare and serve meals to about 300 linemen from the many utility crews in the area to help restore power, the restaurant said.
At the same, time a couple of miles away, the Red Cross served food outside the main entrance to Memorial Stadium. Cars entered the parking lot off Harrison Street and lined toward tables outside a van where go-boxes of baked chicken breast, bread and two of either mac and cheese, hash browns, green beans or carrots were filled.
Waycross City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said 500 meals were served in about two hours before the supply was exhausted. He said another 250 were distributed around 6:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, at City Hall, Rayford, and other city staffers including Mayor Michael-Angelo James, distributed bags of ice and cases of water.
The Red Cross was back Thursday afternoon at the stadium with more meals.
Farther out Memorial Drive, members of Remnant Church organized a line of cars in their parking lot while others handed out a variety of baby supplies, water, food and some toiletries to about 600 people.
While some volunteers passed diapers, formula and infant wipes through car windows, others put cases of water or paper grocery bags filled with bread and a variety of other non-perishable food in the backseats or trunks of vehicles.
Josh Lancaster, Remnant’s worship pastor, said Real Life Church in Macon provided the items. He said Pastor Bo Turner and his church members trucked similar items to a church in Hazelhurst and another in Alma before coming to Waycross.
“They were hit up there (Macon), too, just not as bad,” Lancaster said. “We really appreciate the partnership.”
Wednesday’s effort by Remnant followed free meals of hamburgers and chips Monday and distribution of water and ice Tuesday.
This week, church members are offering free yard debris cleanup. Lancaster said those needing help will find a form on the church’s Facebook page to register for the service.
Staff members and volunteers for Satilla Advocacy distributed a variety of items for babies and new mothers Friday afternoon in the parking lot across from their office on Church Street.
That followed distribution Wednesday afternoon of similar items by the Southeast Georgia Women’s Center on Tebeau Street.
Waycross City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford carries ice to a car Wednesday afternoon, October 2, outside City Hall. Photo by EJ POND
