My apologies for being tardy in updating the blog. Things have been busy! Here is a quick rundown of what has been happening since our last update on April 30.
VCC opened the Relief Center on the afternoon of Sunday, May 1 following our morning worship serice. Visits to the center were frequent during the early part of the week, but dropped off steadily as the weekend approached. The elders made the decision to close the center at noon on Saturday, May 7. The majority of the supplies have been distributed. Our DEEPEST thanks go out to the many volunteers who manned the center 12 hours a day and to those individuals and congregations who donated supplies.
Power has been restored to Vilonia. Those whose homes were either destroyed or are under repair such that they are uninhabitable have found places to stay. So, our focus has shifted from meeting the immediate needs (food, water, etc.) following the storm to longer-term assistance.
A number of work crews worked on Saturday (May 7) and there remains some work to do. I should mention that we have made every effort to identify members of area churches of Christ who need assistance with cleanup and meet their needs first.
In addition to assisting with cleanup, VCC is also making a concerted effort to identify those who are in need of financial assistance. The generosity of individuals and congregations across Arkansas and the mid-South region has been overwhelming! THANK YOU is simply not enough!
To ensure that we are good stewards over these relief funds the elders at VCC have established a process whereby area residents can request financial assistance. This process includes personal interaction by a Christian. The disbursement of funds is only part of the process - we want to make sure that we are fully ENGAGING with those whom we help.
I will post an occasional update to keep you apprised of what is happening. Again, thanks SO MUCH for your assistance!
In Him,
Marty
