Three more hurricanes on the heels of “Harvey”

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GREENVILLE — Folks are referring to Hurricane Harvey as a “Truly Historic Hurricane,” as its toll is still being measured.

Harvey caused flash flooding in parts of Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, August 31-September 1. According to weather.com, all-time continental United States tropical cyclone rain records were broken by “Harvey”, which dropped 40-52 inches of rainfall in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, and is a catastrophic flood disaster in southeast Texas.

On the heels of “Harvey”, three other hurricanes are busting their way through. The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Irma, located north of the Dominican Republic; Hurricane Jose, located over the central Atlantic Ocean and Hurricane Katia, located over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

“Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next five days,” the report said.

What does that mean for the states? According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website, Governor Rick Scott requested, and President Donald Trump approved, a pre-landfall emergency declaration for the State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma which will provide important preparation resources and assistance from the federal government. On Monday, September 4, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida.

Locally, Outreach Leader of Bradford Church of the Brethren Jennifer Reed said the church is heading up disaster relief through a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization, providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to its website. Reed said the hope is to send a team of people to help, and will go where Samaritan’s Purse sends them. The church is looking for volunteers who can go next week, for a week-long trip. To take the trip, a church affiliation is not required, Reed said.

“Irma is hitting the Caribbean today and coming up the east coast,” she said. “People are still being rescued from “Harvey” out of their homes, some living in the upstairs. It breaks our hearts with the suffering that they are facing. We want to do something for them.

We can’t stand by and do nothing, while others are suffering. I believe it is what Jesus would do, and as a church, I feel it is our mission to go and do something. If anyone should help, it should be the church.”

To sign up for the Hurricane Relief Trip at Bradford Church of the Brethren, call Jennifer at 937-418-7119.

In addition, national efforts are springing up everywhere to help with the hurricane efforts. In an August 28 press release, The Kroger Co. Foundation announced the commitment of $100,000 to the Houston Food Bank, America’s largest food bank serving 600 hunger relief charities in 18 southeast Texas counties, to supply operational support and meals to families affected by the floods. For every social share of the #KrogerCares post, the Foundation will donate $5 to the Food Bank, up to $100,000. Additionally, Kroger is inviting customers to join giving efforts by donating through in-store programs. Across the country, customers can visit select Kroger Family of Stores to make a cash donation that will benefit the American Red Cross. Kroger is also inviting its 443,000 associates to join the cause as well as support fellow associates in the Houston area affected by the storm through Helping Hands, an internal fundraising effort. Along with monetary giving, Kroger will continue to aid rescue organizations, shelters and first responders with food, water and toiletries. The mobile Kroger Pharmacy is en route to the Houston region to help refill customers’ prescriptions, provide immunizations, and perform blood pressure and glucose screenings, according to the press release.

“This storm has ravaged our city, but I know the heart and resilience of Houstonians: we can and will overcome this,” said Marlene Stewart, Kroger’s president of the Houston division in the press release. “Kroger is working tirelessly to help support recovery, rescue and relief efforts. We will be here every step of the way.”

In an August 29 press release, Verizon announced support of South Texas through a $10 million pledge to fund Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Verizon has partnered with local and state government officials and has identified three of four non-profit agencies to support, that are working on-the-ground on both immediate and long-term needs. The three recipients are: The Greater Houston Community Foundation-Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund for Houston; The One Star Foundation and the Salvation Army Southern Territory. Verizon will share details on a fourth grant recipient in the coming weeks, as the company works with local and state government officials in determining how to best serve the recovery effort.

“When our communities are suffering, and our customers and employees are impacted, we not only feel it’s our role, but it is our responsibility to step up and help however possible,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Lowell McAdam in the press release. “The recovery won’t be quick or easy, but South Texas can count on us to be there, working hand in hand with these great organizations.”

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Outreach Leader of Bradford Church of the Brethren Jennifer Reed said the church is heading up disaster relief through a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse. According to Reed, the hope is to send a team of people to help and will go where Samaritan’s Purse sends them. The church is looking for volunteers who can go next week, for a week-long trip. To sign up for the Hurricane Relief Trip at Bradford Church of the Brethren, call Jennifer at 937-418-7119.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_church.jpgOutreach Leader of Bradford Church of the Brethren Jennifer Reed said the church is heading up disaster relief through a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse. According to Reed, the hope is to send a team of people to help and will go where Samaritan’s Purse sends them. The church is looking for volunteers who can go next week, for a week-long trip. To sign up for the Hurricane Relief Trip at Bradford Church of the Brethren, call Jennifer at 937-418-7119.
Local efforts in place to help

By Carolyn Harmon

[email protected]

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4354. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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