Resource Center Schedule:

Saturday, August 31st - 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

WHERE: Compassion Christian Church Adult Ministry Center, 50 Al Henderson Boulevard

Compassion Christian Church opens Resource Center for those affected by Ogeechee River Flooding

When the floodwaters rose out of the Ogeechee River to cut off neighborhoods in west Chatham County following Tropical Storm Debby, volunteers and neighbors rose to help.

Those volunteers were stocking the Adult Ministry Center at Compassion Christian Church Tuesday morning, preparing the space to welcome those in need of assistance. Hundreds of brown paper bags filled with water, food and cleaning supplies lined the stage of the auditorium.

The facility, simply dubbed “The Resource Center,” opened its doors later Tuesday afternoon for its first shift. By the time the Center closed later that night, 16 families and 1 pet affected by the flooding had received critical supplies.

This partnership between Chatham County and CCC was fostered as the banks of the Ogeechee River began to overflow last week. On Sunday, CEMA Emergency Preparedness Manager Chelsea Sawyer reached out on behalf of the county, and said CCC was more than willing to help however they could.

“Disasters have the tendency to bring out the best in people, and I think this is a perfect example. With just a single phone call, you have people jumping and willing to support and are excited to support and feel called to do so,” Sawyer said. “That shows the resilience of our community. That shows the passion and compassion that exists within our community. They really want to make an impact and make a difference.”

Carolyn Kixmiller, Executive Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Compassion, said when she received the official request from Sawyer, the CCC congregation jumped at the chance to help.

When they put out the call for food and water, church members raided their pantries and delivered nonperishables and bottled water for the Sunday service. By Tuesday, those items were stocked and sorted for the Resource Center.

“One of the phrases we use a lot around here is: ‘We want to be people who do the things Jesus did,’” Kixmiller said. “When people are hurting, that’s what Jesus would do: He would respond with compassion to people in need.”

The Resource Center will be open Thursday and Saturday for those who have been affected by the Ogeechee River flooding. Proof of residence in an affected area is required to access services and resources. The center is open to anyone affected by the flooding, not just residents of Chatham County.

Resource Center Schedule:
Saturday, August 24th - 7am-9am and 4pm-8pm

New dates added!
Tuesday, August 27th
Thursday, August 29th
Saturday, August 31st
⌚ 4:30pm-7:30pm

WHERE: Compassion Christian Church Adult Ministry Center, 50 Al Henderson Boulevard