Louisiana Conference Organizes Work Days to Aid Shreveport's Tornado Recovery Efforts
June 28, 2023
In response to the tornado outbreak that recently struck the Shreveport area, the Louisiana Conference is coordinating two consecutive work days aimed at aiding the recovery efforts. The initiative welcomes both Emergency Response Team (ERT) members and non-ERT volunteers, offering an opportunity for individuals, mission teams, and church youth groups to contribute to the relief work.
Scheduled for Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1, the work days will revolve around chainsaw operations and the clearing of debris from affected homes. Volunteers will be tasked with moving fallen limbs and branches to designated areas on the affected properties, where they can later be picked up by the city. The meeting point for all participants will be Broadmoor United Methodist Church, located at 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport.
Volunteers are requested to arrive promptly at 7 a.m. to receive information regarding their assigned job sites. The work days will conclude by 3 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Non-ERT-trained volunteers will be paired with experienced ERT members to ensure safety and maximize their effectiveness. While non-ERT participants will not engage in activities involving chainsaws or roof tarping, they will be instrumental in assisting with debris removal and organizing the cleared materials in designated areas.
Scott Spalding, the Shreveport District Disaster Response Coordinator, is spearheading the efforts. Those interested in lending a hand are encouraged to reach out to him via email. The initiative is open to anyone willing to assist, regardless of prior training or experience.
Broadmoor United Methodist Church is graciously offering meals for all volunteers. They will offer dinner on Thursday night, three meals on both Friday and Saturday and breakfast on Sunday if needed.
Participants are advised to bring their own work gloves, protective eyewear, and suitable work pants (shorts are not recommended) to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the work days.
The work days not only serve as an opportunity to physically assist in the restoration process but also symbolize the spirit of connectedness in the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.
