From left, James Barrott, Jim Coppinger, Esther Helton and John Griffey
More than 700 volunteers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued clean-up efforts this weekend in response to tornado damage in the greater Chattanooga area. In yellow shirts with “hearts of gold,” as News Channel 3 described them last week, the volunteers came from across Tennessee and Georgia, including Atlanta, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
It is estimated that from April 20-26, over 300 volunteers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Chattanooga, Cookeville, McMinnville, Cartersville plus 20 full-time missionaries serving in the area put in approximately 5,161 hours of service and completed over 137 projects.
This week, the numbers swelled. More than 700 volunteers showed up. From May 2-3, Church members and missionaries logged over 10,000 hours of service and filled 266 work orders. Additional work not included in tally totals came about as roaming crews went door-to-door to assist.
As Phil Smartt, communications director for the Chattanooga Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said when interviewed by News Channel 3, “People need help and that’s what we are trying to do is give them help. Church members have cleaned up damage of hundreds of homes, and we’re just glad to do it. We’re helping because Jesus Christ teaches we should love our neighbors as ourselves. So we’re here to serve our brothers and sisters, no matter how many hours it takes.”
News Channel 9, on the scene on Saturday noted that volunteers were working on more than 200 projects, “while maintaining social distancing guidelines and CDC recommendations.” Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and State Rep. Esther Helton visited the command center set up at the Church building located on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road. They were impressed by the organization of efforts. Last weekend, federal, state and local government officials, including Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, State Rep. Mike Carter, County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley and City Councilman Darrin Ledford toured Church operations and were also appreciative of the scope and work undertaken by the volunteers.
In addition to local efforts, members of the Church in the greater Chattanooga area also contribute to worldwide efforts of the Church to provide COVID-19 relief. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing COVID-19 relief in 57 countries, including China. Church relief includes food, hygiene products, personal protective equipment, medical equipment, cash and other commodities, depending on needs and partnerships per location. In some locations, the Church is sewing masks and gowns for medical workers. President Russell M. Nelson emphasizes that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints desires to be part of “the solution to this challenge.”
“These unique challenges will pass in due time,” said President Nelson, reminding that “we can be strengthened and lifted as we call upon God and His Son, Jesus Christ – the Master Healer. His gospel provides certain hope and help to a troubled world.”
On April 20, 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated more than 40,000 puonds of food to the Chattanooga Food Bank – a small and simple act intended to bring about good. “When we join our small efforts together and call upon The Lord’s help,” President Jean B. Bingham of the General Relief Society women’s organization said, “every individual can do magnificent things.” That’s what Chattanoogans, friends and believers are doing. By serving each other, we are fulfilling our responsibilities as disciples of Christ, as President Bingham said, in “simple yet remarkable ways.”