Update City of Vidalia 10/8/24 2:45pm
Let me preface this by saying, I realize there are many still hurting, hungry, in need of yard assistance and power but as you traverse our community, we are showing significant signs of improvement. There does seem to be an air of some normalcy beginning to surface and to that I say “Praise God.” For those still in need, please know we won’t leave you behind. We are strategically working on the continuation of support to the best of our abilities. Please remain patient with the power companies. I meet with them regularly and they are the most incredible human beings I’ve ever met. They would love nothing more than to flip a switch and have everyone restored at the same time, but please remember they had to rebuild their entire grid and in there line of work, they have to make difficult decisions and prioritize restoration (especially in the first 24-48 hours). They will get to you; stay strong!!
(1) The distribution site at 1601 US Hwy #1 North in Lyons was operational today and will be again tomorrow on 10/8/24 from 10:00am-2:00pm
(2) Looks Great Services continues to amaze. With over 40 haul trucks in our community, they have removed over 65,000 cubic yards of debris. Yesterday alone, they removed over 21,000 cubic yards. They are a calvary and we appreciate them
(3) All local law enforcement agencies report normal activity and they continue to provide road safety, patrol and serve us well. Thank them when you see them
(4) Both local school systems continue to bus food to their students and meet their needs. Meals on wheels is truly a representation of them being the hands and feet of Jesus during a time such as this. Kudos to both systems. We see you and appreciate you
(5) Salvation Army continues to feed volunteers but their mass feedings to the public have been mobilized to communities around us to meet their needs. This warms my heart. By the grace of God, we have weathered this storm better than our neighbors and we need to assist those hurting worse than us
(6) The man everyone is focused on: Hurricane Milton. I hope he encounters dry air and falls apart but in the event he doesn’t, we need to stay vigilant and prepared. While the cone of uncertainty has moved him slightly more South, that doesn’t mean we are out of the woods. The most current projections have us receiving inclement weather from 7:00pm Wednesday to 7:00pm Thursday. Hopefully we receive minimal rain and minimal winds. With that being said, make sure tarps are secured on already damaged roofs and pay attention to any leaning trees. Lastly, after going through Helene, I wouldn’t pray a storm like this on anyone. Pray for our neighbors in Florida and remember the people of the great state of North Carolina
Last nights parade for the lineman was one of the most heartwarming things I’ve ever personally witnessed. Our community is so resilient. Through the face of devastation, we remain thankful and grateful. Don’t ever lose that! Many of these lineman left personal devastation at their homes to come to our aid. Many who showed up last night still do not have power at their homes, but they remain thankful and showed up to show their gratitude. That true measure of the heart is contagious and should engulf every member of our community. If you encounter someone who is negative and ungrateful, point them to Jesus, He is the only one that can change them!
I love you all and will continue to fight for you. I’m in the trenches with you. I feel your pain, see your needs but I’m more motivated than ever to continue serving you!!
*Please continue to share these post and encourage others to do so as well. If you want to contribute financially, go to toombsstrong.com and donate. You can also order a toombsstrong t-shirt from the same site! Also tag all your post with #toombsstrong as it helps us with our FEMA reimbursement
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