Members of the Royal Ambassadors (RAs) at Clarkesville Baptist Church make bandanas for the firefighters battling wildfires in Rabun County. (photo/Mandy Wade)
What started out as a group of Facebook friends talking about how they could help firefighters battling wildfires in Rabun County, has now turned into a dedicated donation drive here in Habersham.
Grady Cowart says his daughter Taecey and friends are spearheading a drive to collect money and supplies for care packages for the more than 500 firefighters and support personnel now in the area. They’re coordinating their efforts through Scott Cates, pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Tiger which is being used as a shelter.
“She’s already made two pickup loads,” says Grady of Taecey. His daughter’s passionate response to the troubling needs resulting from the fires drew him in, too. The donation drive has become a family affair. “We love to do it,” he says. “Those people up there are in plain misery.”
A list of the items needed include:
- Shampoo & conditioners
- Body wash
- Lotion
- Soap
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Hand sanatizer
- Socks
- Zip lock bags quart & gallon size
- Razors
- Shave cream
- First Aid Cream
- Band Aids & self stick gauze
Cowart says individuals and businesses are generously donating. “One guy stopped off from work and gave us $300,” he says in amazement.
The group plans to deliver another truckload of supplies to Tiger on Friday. Over 1,800 care packages have already been distributed to crews fighting wildfires in Rabun County and western North Carolina, according to Pastor Cates.
If you’d like to contribute you can drop off your donations at 119 Blackstock Angus Farm Road, located off of Alley’s Chapel Road in Clarkesville between the hours of 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and after 5 p.m.
For directions or more information call 706-754-4694.
Local students put feet to their faith
The Cowarts are among a growing number of people from around the region who are pitching in to help in the face of the devastating wildfires.
Wednesday night, youth at Clarkesville Baptist Church put feet to their faith by making bandanas for the firefighters. The bandanas are used to help shield firefighters from smoke and to protect their faces, necks and ears on the fire line.
“Clarkesville Baptist has many ties to the Rabun County area,” says missions and youth committee member Mandy Wade. “We feel it is important that our children understand that giving back to those that risk their lives for us is one small way that we can show our support. Our GAs and RAs were excited that they could physically do something to help out.”
In addition to the bandanas, Clarkesville Baptist is also sponsoring a donation drive. The church is asking for donations of chapstick, eyedrops, snacks, water and drinks for fire crews.
Donations may be dropped of at Clarkesville Baptist Church during normal business hours.
