• Michelle Hartfield

Attapulgus, GA Locals Join Salvation Army in Giving Aid

ATTAPULGUS, GA (October 19, 2018) — There is nothing people in the south do better than hospitality or potlucks, and not even a hurricane can hamper that spirit of community.

A shining example of this enthusiasm can be seen in Wanshanda Shilo, a hurricane Michael survivor from Attapulgus, Georgia, who rode out the storm with her family. Once the storm had passed, they were able to get out, assess damage, and check in with their neighbors. With no power and no prospect of it returning quickly, they then began to wonder about their next meal.  

This is when the community pulled together for the potluck to end all potlucks. When one neighbor offered to grill meat, another with a gas stove opened their kitchen for others to use. They used an instapot plugged into a generator, camping stoves, burners intended for warming trays, and any other means at their disposal to feed the entire neighborhood.     

Everyone pitched in. “I have chicken, and you have eggs, so we both share” said Shilo. They borrowed chairs from the church, plugged a few lights into another generator, and did their best to keep everyone in good spirits. They even made meals-to-go and delivered to any shut-ins they knew would be unable to join them outside.

But Wanshanda wasn’t done. She now volunteers and serves alongside Salvation Army staff at the canteen serving in her neighborhood. “I was in line to get a plate of food, and I saw that they were getting backed up, so I asked if they needed help.” She’s been helping serve meals ever since. “This wonderful lady’s been here EVERY day” said Beverly Knight, a Salvation Army canteen worker from Kentucky.

How to Help:
The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors.

• Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate by mail: The Salvation Army, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA
  • Please designate ‘2018 Hurricanes – Michael’ on all checks
•  Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org

 Donate by text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving.