Volunteers come together in Hagerstown

The Hagerstown-area community has rallied to help neighbors affected by last week’s flooding.

Chris Lane, Jefferson Township trustee and president of Nettle Creek Community Coalition, said about 100 families were served Friday at the pantry, 47 E. Main St. in Hagerstown.

“We were filling people’s fridges and freezers,” he said.

Because electricity was off for a couple days, many residents lost all perishable foods. The pantry serves seven rural townships.

However, the pantry was inundated with donations Friday, and businesses expressed willingness to donate additional items, such as shelf-stable milk. The coalition planned an added distribution day from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Economy Methodist Church volunteers were to fill donated buckets with cleaning supplies to distribute at that event.

So many items have come in that they might be able to share with flood victims in Cambridge City, Connersville and New Castle, Lane said.

Dan Davis Jr. of Hagerstown said his family was lucky to avoid residential storm damage, but his heart breaks for those whose homes are almost a total loss.

He was pleased to see residents turn out to help with cleanup projects, especially kids who worked really hard.

“It’s encouraging for the future of humanity,” Davis said.

Several town assets along Indiana 38 received extensive damage and will be closed indefinitely.

Nettle Creek Hardware representatives shared on social media that volunteers put in more than 2,000 hours helping start recovery for the store that took on 4 feet of water Aug. 12.

An estimated 100-plus volunteers helped clean Hagerstown athletic facilities including its baseball/football field, track and buildings on Saturday.

More than 50 volunteers turned out Saturday to clean out Church Women United’s thrift shop at 449 E. Main St.

Another nearby community institution is feeling the strain. Much of Hagerstown Food Market’s inventory has to be discarded, and coolers, freezers and other equipment must be replaced or repaired, according to its social media posts.

Jessica Gregory, co-owner of Hagerstown-based Highway 38 Dumpsters and Restrooms, said she’s been calling regional businesses to borrow more equipment. She’s received help from locations including Winchester and Mooreland and said it’s beautiful to see how many businesses put collaboration over competition.