There wasn’t much time to plan. Before they knew it many residents were trapped by rushing flood waters. Power was going out, gas stoves and propane tanks were exploding – chaos was all around.
I cannot imagine the fear that was in the hearts of those that waited for rescue.
I cannot imagine those that were trying to comfort crying children while assuring them that they would replace their favorite toy as they forced them to hurry and leave their things behind.
I cannot imagine wondering what the night would bring.
As we prayed for my sister in law and the other residents of my husband’s home town, we decided we would start asking everyone we knew for supplies and various items to take to the victims of the West Virginia flooding.
We lost contact with my sister in law about 9pm. We didn’t know what was going on with her specifically, but in faith we asked for help.
We know so many people who live week to week and don’t have a lot themselves. We told them that 6 or 7 items from their pantry, a towel and some clothing they no longer wear would be perfect. See, I’m a firm believer that even when you feel you have nothing to give that there is always something you can do. When a few hundred people give 6 or 7 items each, well then – you have just created a miracle haven’t you?
My heart was hoping to take up 2 car loads of items. We were planning a vacation for the next weekend anyway, so we would just cancel that and use the vacation funds to make the trip. Many people gave specifically for my sister in law, many gave what they could and many went above and beyond what was imagined.
You see, you never know what you can accomplish until you ask. Not everyone can or will give and that is ok. Spreading the word is just as powerful sometimes.
Because people came together we were able to take more than we ever imagined to West Virginia.
2 truckloads (one was a 26ft box truck) of food, clothing, cleaning supplies and toys were trucked up the mountains and given to those in need in West Virginia. Do you know that in my heart I was over joyed at the items donated but I’m always thinking kids and toys?
I was saddened to think that many of these kids will have to wait until Christmas for new toys. I had only shared that with my husband and a generous donation of 800 NEW toys came in!
I’m so thankful for people that always do what they can for others. You will never know the true reach of your love and kindness.
I could never list every single person that helped but I did want to say a special thank you to a few who helped to sponsor this trip.
Patterson Pope – They solve the problems that stuff creates. Check them out and see if they have solutions for your needs.
Beth Haven Baptist Church – Where all are welcomed and wanted.
Last but not least Murdock, Todd and AJ for your amazing heart for others.
My sister in law was safe from any harm in the flood. While she lost 95% of everything she owned, thankfully we still have her. It’s a horrible way to start over, but I’m thankful she has the opportunity.
She wanted me to tell you all thank you! She was wow’d and honored that you would come together and care for her and the other residents of West Virginia.
I smiled and thought that is what Spreading Joy is all about!
Please, take a moment to watch this video. We are so thankful for all that was given, all who helped, all who gave, prayed and encouraged.
Here are some photos we shared on our Spreading Joy Face Book Page. Please like and share them so that others can see what we are doing to encourage the discouraged and make a difference by Spreading Joy!
Thank you for checking on us, for checking on her and for loving others.
Thank you for Spreading Joy to West Virginia with us.
Would you consider a gift of $10?
Would you consider sponsoring us at $500?
Would you consider a financial donation of any size?
Are you local to Charlotte and the surrounding areas and would like to collect New things for us to take with us – including School Supplies? Please do and let me know and we’ll make arrangements to pick them up from you. We will give you signs that you can post, send out and use to let others know that you are Spreading Joy to those in need in West Virginia.
Thank you in advance for any financial gift you can give.
Thank you in advance for caring and making a difference.
Thank you! You matter! You ARE Spreading Joy!
*I am a Brand Ambassador for Verizon Wireless and occasionally receive products to review. All joyful opinions are my own and I’m not required to give a positive review.
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Very powerful message here that you are sharing. And everyone needs to read it.
With all the other things going on in our country these past several weeks this tragedy needs some love for sure. It has reminded me to pray and keep on praying. And that is exactly what I will do for your sister in law and all the others affected by this.
Thanks Vera!! prayer is so powerful and I truly appreciate anyone that goes before the throne of grace for us!!
Wow! It’s good to see what can happen when people come together and help others. That is at least one good memory.
Hope they get restored safe and sound fast.
Thank you for the work you do. Praying the Lord blesses the work of your heart and hands!
Thank you for posting this! So often, we don’t see the good in the midst of the bad. Thankful for people who care!
you and me both! I was truly amazed at the outpouring of love and supplies.
and to keep (SO IMPORTANT) praying for West Virginia!
It’s amazing how the community there has coming together. We have seen it here in Dallas after all of the tragedy over the past week. Love always wins!
Caroline – ohhh I cannot image. We’ve been praying for you guys, for the love and respect of all people. Thanks for the encouragement.
I love to hear about people doing kind things. People amaze me sometimes.
As a proud born and raised West Virginian, I am so proud to see how my home state came together! I would expect nothing less though honestly. That is just how the people are there. So thankfully to see beauty and good come out of such hardship and tragedy!
Thank you for your willingness to go help people. More people should be so kind!
I didn’t even know about this Marie! Thank God for everyone who helped!!
My husband was raised in West Virginia — his father pastored two churches there. They are such a special people–loving with big hearts. What a beautiful gift you gave to them. We can never outgive God. Still praying for those affected. And asking God to bless you giving heart.