Wayne County Community Outreach Helps Disaster Victims in Wayne County

Wayne County Community Outreach, Inc. (WCCO) was formed in 2023 in the aftermath of the devastating EF-2 tornado that came through the northern part of Wayne County, including Beech Creek, in the late night hours of March 31st, into the early morning hours of April 1st, 2023.

With limited resources available to help the victims, a group of concerned Wayne County citizens saw a need to do something that would help all Wayne Countians in the event of another disaster. Since that time, fire victims have also been added to the list of eligible recipients.

Wayne County Community Outreach, Inc. was officially formed at that time with John McDonald as President, Randy Burns as Vice-President, Jeff Letson as Secretary, and Treasurers Denise Lineberry and Tina Holt. Other team members are Angela Duren and Sherry McDonald.

WCCO members said that in the aftermath of that tornado, they have acquired a lot of information that will be helpful to others in similar situations. WCCO had to learn the hard way!

In times of disaster, victims need immediate assistance, but it does take time. Volunteers and clean-up efforts must be coordinated, and supplies need to be categorized in easy-to-find storage bins with labels and lids to make things easier. Checks should be issued instead of cash to ensure that everyone in need receives assistance. The check log is a way to keep up with how and to whom the money is distributed.

While collaborating with the victims of the tornado, WCCO asked each family to fill out a form. The form asked for information on family size, insurance, and immediate needs. The form allowed the board to determine who needed the most help all the way down to the least needy. Even if a family had insurance, they still needed assistance until their insurance company paid them for their losses. All checks were issued as quickly as possible.

With the donations that came into the Beech Creek Fire Hall, WCCO was able to provide families with necessities. A system was set up with all donations being placed in labeled totes, making it easier for residents to find what they needed for their families. Those needing assistance were able to come to fire hall to pick up what they needed, or WCCO volunteers could take items to them when requested.

Meals were provided to families for a few days after the disaster with help from the Red Cross. Meals were delivered by WCCO volunteers to those unable to come to the fire hall to get them.

WCCO volunteers said they encountered many obstacles from the very beginning, with communication being a major issue. Lack of efficient communication was contributed to the very rural area where the tornado hit. The majority of phone and electrical services were out for days.

Another issue was housing for displaced residents. Those residents understandably did not want to leave the few items they could salvage. Those willing to leave their damaged or destroyed homes were put up in hotels or cabins, or with family members when possible. Some housing was only available outside the county.

The next issue encountered was housing for the many volunteers who came from out of town or other states to help with the cleanup and rebuilding process. The volunteers were driving back and forth from their own homes when possible, with some staying in surrounding counties. One local business had a few openings, but for a limited time only.

Beech Creek is rebuilding slowly but surely. The information gained from the tornado disaster is being incorporated into the WCCO program in order to help any and all Wayne Countians who may need future assistance.

Wayne County Community Outreach, Inc. is a nonprofit 501-C-3 with no paid employees; all members are volunteers. They receive no county, state, or federal funding. All money that WCCO is able to gain is solely from the arduous work of volunteers who hold benefits and fundraisers. WCCO has assisted numerous families this year due to the unusually high number of house fires in Wayne County. Thankfully, Wayne County has not seen any devastating tornadoes so far this year, but WCCO is ready and willing to help if and when the next natural disaster occurs.

The WCCO Board of Directors is made up of business owners and citizens who are dedicated to helping others in their time of need. They are always looking for resolute volunteers from anywhere in Wayne County.

The most important annual WCCO fundraising event will be held again this year in Clifton, TN, on Saturday, October 4th. There will be a car show, a silent auction, kids’ games, and music from Crooked Creek Band. This year, a barbecue cook-off is being added to the event, along with several new vendors. Everyone is invited to come to Clifton on Saturday to help with this very worthy cause, and to have fun while you do!