BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – As the Two Virginias continue to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, out-of-state volunteers have pitched in with the help of a local youth center to clear debris.
When the Michigan-based group, World Renew, came to Bluefield to assist in cutting and clearing trees, the Wade Center welcomed the 13-person crew and housed them during their two-week stay.
The Wade Center also serves the community by providing an after-school program and activities for local children.
The City of Bluefield went on to honor the Wade Center and its staff for their support. Bluefield’s City Manager, Cecil Marson, says that what the Wade Center did was wonderful.
“I think it’s wonderful, all these great churches we have here in the city and these volunteer organizations and great ladies at the Wade Center and Justin did a great job,” said Marson. “They’ve got a nice place and a lot of those folks [had] a free place to stay while they were working all day. It was wonderful and we’re so appreciative.”
The Executive Director of the Wade Center, Betty Brainerd, said their goal is to give back to the community.
“That’s one thing we’re very much in tune with…our school likes to give back. We are part of the community and therefore you give back,” said Brainerd. “You don’t just take, you have to give, and that’s what we do. It was wonderful being able to say, ‘hey, we helped’.”
The Wade Center’s Mission Coordinator, Justin Johnson, agreed, adding that their focus is on helping the community in whatever way they can.
“Being here, we focus on the kids, their families, and the community. So that’s what it’s part of, is being able to help the community however we can,” adds Johnson.
For more information on the Wade Center, you can check out their Facebook page.
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