Friday, July 15, 2011

Cleanup Continues


"We love Him because He first loved us." ~1 John 4:9-10


It has been six weeks since the devastating tornadoes struck western Mass. and the work continues. Thanks to our many generous donors and volunteer workers, Milestone Ministries has so far committed over 500 hours of labor and thousands of dollars to the relief effort. Our primary focus for our volunteers has been tree and debris removal in Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Monson.We have been working with Springfield Christian Ministries Tornado Relief, a wonderful group that coordinates the need for cleanup, and dispatches the necessary crews to get the work done. We have also been responding to direct calls for help from folks we have met on this journey. 




"It is more blessed to give than to receive." ~ Acts 20:35


This week we were blessed to be a part of the Monson "Chainsaw Response Team" an incredible group of volunteers made up primarily of off duty firefighters from all over Massachusetts. On Wednesday we joined with more than 150 volunteers to clean up King Street, one of Monson's most ravaged neighborhoods. It was absolutely amazing how well organized we were. We had just the right mix of chain saw operators, heavy equipment operators, and labor to move and stack the logs, brush, and debris. By 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night King Street, although barren, was cleaned of all debris and fallen trees.

"But the salvation of the righteous is the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble." ~ Psalm 37:39

With our tornado relief fund we have been able to aid victims with transportation help, housing assistance, and equipment required for cleanup. This week we also purchased a Thomas Skid Steer Loader, a piece of heavy equipment that will allow us to move  logs, brush, and debris in a fraction of the time it now takes. Our generous donors can be assured that their contributions are being put to the most beneficial uses.


The work goes on. 

We will continue aiding those whose lives were changed due to the storms of June 1, 2011 until the need no longer exists.

No comments: