In response to the outbreak of devastating wildfires across the state, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) has been preparing meals for first responders and victims of the wildfires and responding in other ways.
DR volunteers have provided hundreds of meals that were served in areas including Mannford, Cleveland, Terlton, Guthrie, Stillwater and Pawnee. DR has already provided 1,200 meals for lunch and dinner on March 16, and on March 17 is preparing 1,200 more meals to be served in coordination with other relief organizations.
Ryan Deatherage, who serves as associate director for Oklahoma DR, says that they are now receiving orders for assistance in ash clean-up efforts, which DR will be prioritizing for service.
Unlike some other disasters, in which clean-up efforts can begin immediately, wildfire responses often take more time to cool down and to ensure volunteers are not in danger of being in “hot spot” areas.
“Our trained volunteers are eager to help our neighbors in need, who have faced some of the most distressing and difficult situations,” said Deatherage. “We want to offer the hope, help and healing, and to show the love of Jesus with people as we serve.”
March 19 Update
Oklahoma Baptist DR is receiving numerous requests for assistance for ash-out debris removal in Stillwater, Mannford and other areas, which volunteers will be serving.
As of March 18, DR volunteers continued to prepare meals, serving nearly 1,000 meals that day alone.
Oklahoma Baptist DR has served in countless disaster responses throughout the years. To request assistance from Oklahoma Baptist DR, to make a tax-deductible donation to relief efforts or for more information, visit www.okdisasterhelp.org.