Emma Griffin, Correspondent.

Tropical Storm Debby devastated the lives of numerous Bryan County residents, namely those near Highway 144 in Richmond Hill, which flooded from both the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers. According to Mayor Russ Carpenter, around 200 homes were affected by the extensive loss of property, the buildup of debris in neighborhoods and the unsanitary waste from flooded sewers and drains.

The extent of the damage has been difficult to estimate, but the Richmond Hill community is making various efforts to come together and help those who are most disadvantaged.

One such effort involves Richmond Hill’s Community Resource Center on Ford Avenue. Now acting as a meeting place for volunteers to meet with residents in need, the center is accepting donations of food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and more. The program refers to those looking for assistance as “shoppers,” allowing volunteers to lead them through the center with a cart to pick out supplies that will help them get back on their feet.

Meredith Gibson, who acts as the volunteer coordinator, oversees the day-to-day operations of the center. She says that while volunteers are helping a shopper, “we just talk to them, because these people really need somebody to talk to,” Gibson said.

“What we found is this is usually their breaking point. When they come in here, they leave a lot more hopeful than they were.”

Gibson began helping the community by filling sandbags when the storm was still progressing, she says.

“From there, it just kind of developed into a whole lot more,” Gibson said.

The program’s primary goal is to “fill the gap” for people while they are in the transition period of starting to rebuild their lives. When the storm first hit, the response was urgent, and residents were more focused on accessing immediate and basic needs. Now, Gibson says the focus is more on the clean-up stage with emphasis placed on dehumidifiers, fans, pesticides, mops, and more.

“I’ve made some really great friends that are survivors. I call them survivors because they’re victims, but ‘victims’ sounds so sad. ‘Survivors’ sounds strong, and these are probably some of the strongest people I’ve ever met in my life,” Gibson explains.

Her favorite part is seeing the people that come in. “It’s not fun to see them come in sad, but seeing them leave with hope in their heart for the first time since this happened is joyful,” Gibson said.

“It makes every second that we’ve spent in this building worth it.”

Gibson says for those looking to help out, “just show up here anytime.” The community center’s schedule is regularly updated on the website, as well as contact information for those looking to learn more. As for those who are looking for help themselves, she says, “whatever your need is, we can probably meet it.”

One volunteer, Tracy Winters, says she felt like she needed to get involved after being stranded in her own home after the storm.

“I just felt helpless. So I messaged Meredith and said that I’ve got some time I can spare if you have something for me to do,” Winters said.

“Once I got here and started seeing everything and hearing everybody’s stories, it just touched my heart.”

Winters says her favorite part is “just the satisfaction of seeing how grateful people are when they come in. It lets you know that we are here for a purpose, and that there is still a need.”

Winters also likes that the program has brought the Richmond Hill community closer together. “It shows everybody the generosity of our community, and hopefully that will help sustain everyone in the community for months and maybe years to come,” Winters said.

Similarly, Charles Henderson was inspired to volunteer after seeing the damage on Rushing Street, saying that “those people were desperate.”

Henderson is retired, so he was happy to have something that got him out of the house, he explained. He was driving by when he stopped to help. “I was unloading vehicles probably well over 30 minutes before I even came in and signed in,” he said.

Michael Burns often helps Henderson unload the supplies, saying, “I help with whatever needs to be done.”

Burns is a newcomer to the county, having just moved from Atlanta. He is currently building a house in Richmond Hill and looking forward to living there permanently. “This community is amazing. I mean seeing the outpouring of donations that have come in and gone out…I’m glad I made the choice to move down here,” Burns said.

Burns urges more folks to help out. “Absolutely volunteer and definitely help out if you can. You don’t have to be here all the time, but it makes you feel good,” he says.

As for those looking for help, Burns said: “Come in. Don’t be shy. Take what you need. Take more than what you need.”

Those interested in volunteering at the Community Center can visit the City of Richmond Hill website.

Emma Griffin is a freelance correspondent with the Bryan County News.