Start of the Day - Saturday, April 30

We're up and at 'em!  Ready for a new day!  Here is a quick summary of today's work and then some things that you will need to know:

1. Helping at the Relief Center - volunteers are needed at the Ministry Center to help coordinate distribution of items.  This will include interacting with those who come to us and helping them think through what they need and then giving it to them.  This can be an emotional process for some of them.  Be prepared to give them a shoulder to cry on.
2. Distribution of Meals - The Pleasant Valley Singles Group will be here again today cooking hamburgers and hot dogs.  Once they have them bagged and ready to go, we need people to help deliver them out to those who are working.  The Vilonia church members will give you direction about where to go.  Fill your tank up and come ready to deliver.  Hopefully, the traffic will improve today, but be patient.
3. Distribution of Supplies - This group will need to take supplies to the victims of the storms.  Some supplies are perfect for those who are still without power.  That includes food that is ready to eat without preparation, flashlights and batteries, etc..  Others who may or may not have power will need cleaning supplies.
4. Cleanup Crews - If you have a chain saw, we have a list of about 7 or 8 places where you can go to help some of your brothers and sisters in Christ who have suffered damage.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!  Please note that they are asking all volunteers to check in at the Vilonia Primary School in order to be issued a badge that you can wear.  The Primary School is located on Highway 64 east nine miles east of Conway.  It is just past the intersection of Highways 64 and 36.  The problem is that there is a roadblock at the Eight-Mile Store where authorities require a badge.  That's right: you must have a badge in order to proceed to the place where you acquire a badge!  All I know to do is tell them that you are going to get your badge and then going on to the Church of Christ.  Hopefully, you won't have a problem.

It's easy to get frustrated with the authorities, but they are doing most of this for the benefit of those of us who live in Vilonia.  Believe it or not, there has been a real problem in the damaged areas with people looting and stealing generators.  There has even been a few instances of people attempting to steal heavy equipment.  Someone (unsuccessfully) tried to steal the generator at our house in the middle of the night earlier this week.  So, as you become frustrated with the situation, try to understand.  I just hope that they next time someone sets up roadblocks and badge distribution centers that someone will buy them a globe!

God bless all of you who have volunteered and helped this week!  We love you!

On behalf of the Vilonia church,

Marty Knight