Local church, hospital donate to flood victims

Letcher County residents continue to recover from the devastating floods that hit the area last summer.

Dr. David Worthy, Medical Director, Baptist Health Corbin; Sherrie Mays, VP of Nursing, Baptist Health Corbin; J.B. Donahue, Deacon at Main Street Baptist Church and Mission Trip Coordinator, Tiffani Nichols, DO, BHMG Family Medicine, Williamsburg; Anthony Powers, President, Baptist Health Corbin; and Cliff Niemeier, Executive Director of Pharmacy Services.

Thousands were left homeless and without medical supplies, but volunteers from Main Street Baptist Church in Williamsburg and Baptist Health in Corbin are making a difference.

J.B. Donahue, Deacon at Main Street Baptist Church and Mission Trip Coordinator, said that 33 church members went on a recent mission trip. There were teams among the members. Some of these teams were the medical team, the bible school team, the basketball camp team, the construction team, and the food pantry team.

“Our church was very open to being involved. We had sign-ups in our church, and our church responded,” Donahue said.

Dr. Tiffani Nichols was part of the medical team that visited Blackey. They did blood pressure checks, and glucose screenings, listened and counseled, and gave out small gifts, such as bracelets, inspirational bookmarks and key chains.

Dr. Nichols spoke about the people she encountered and the impact the mission trip had on her.

“It was devastating for the area. I was told there are still people living in tents. The community of Blackey in Letcher County was hit hard,” Nichols said.

One little girl, in particular, left a lasting impression on Dr. Nichols. The 10-year-old had vivid memories of the flood and was scared to sleep afterward because she feared what could happen. Her family could not return to their home and have moved since then.

“It was eye-opening. The people we met there were so thankful and appreciative of everything. It was a pretty neat experience,” Nichols added when reflecting on the night.

Dr. Nichols’s kids, 10 and 12, went and helped with the basketball camp.

Volunteers also gave out clothes for different age groups.

Donahue was also impacted by someone he encountered.

“We [the construction team] built a concrete ramp for a retired teacher, maybe in his 70s, on a walker who couldn’t get down his steps off the porch. He was a very insightful man and was very appreciative of what we did,” Donahue said.

Despite the challenges, the residents of Letcher County are making progress and working hard to rebuild their community. The support and encouragement provided by volunteers are making a real difference.

“I think the help impacted the residents and missionaries there. We already have plans to maintain the grounds, and we plan on returning at the end of summer. They have recovered well. They still have work to do, but they are resourceful people and are proud of their home place, and rightfully so,” Donahue added.

Dr. Nichols finalized her reflection, saying, “I was part of the medical team there, but I felt like my role was much deeper than that. I went to show Christ-like love and bring hope and encouragement to the community, and I believe we did that very well.”