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More than 1,500 volunteers from over 100 wards and branches in Florida, Georgia and Alabama spent the holiday weekend in the Big Bend providing disaster relief for Hurricane Idalia victims.

Hurricane Command Center in Madison, Florida
Many of the cleanup efforts were coordinated through the Crisis Cleanup Hotline, which works with more than 1,800 volunteer organizations. The hotline has been vital in cleanup efforts after many tornadoes and hurricanes including Idalia, Ian, Ida, Sally, Irma, Matthew, Andrew, Sandy, and others.

Congregations from the Tallahassee Stake sent hundreds of volunteers to work in Perry and Madison over the holiday weekend.

The Church is providing chainsaws, wheelbarrows, and other supplies needed to aid victims of the storm. Volunteer workers are clearing debris, removing downed trees, and placing tarps on roofs.

“Our hurricane response is based on taking care of our neighbors,” said Ben Smith, president of the Tallahassee Stake. “People in stricken communities are in dire need and our members have responded in a charitable manner,” he added.

Volunteer operating a chainsaw

Church relief efforts for Hurricane Idalia are being directed from command centers in Madison, Lake City, and Chiefland. An additional command center will be added in Valdosta, Georgia this weekend. The centers plan to operate on weekends through mid-September.

For more information on the Crisis Cleanup Hotline visit: www.CrisisCleanup.org.