Hendersonville, Tennessee – In the wake of the devastating tornadoes, Sumner County has witnessed an inspiring surge of community spirit and cooperation. Organizations and volunteers have come together for a large-scale clean-up effort, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Rallying Together in the Aftermath
The impact of the tornadoes in Sumner County has been substantial. Hendersonville’s Public Information Officer, Casey LaMarr, provided a stark overview of the damage: “We have 137 businesses that received damage, 141 residential homes that received damage, and 5 public spaces received damage.” These figures paint a picture of the widespread destruction that has necessitated a significant response from the community.
In an impressive display of community spirit, over 850 volunteers dedicated their free time to the post-tornado clean-up event on Saturday. Among them was Jeff Wayman, whose property was spared in the recent storm. Wayman’s motivation to volunteer stemmed from personal experience and gratitude, as he said, “My house flooded in 2010. I just wanted to come out and help the tornado people to pay back what they did for me.” His words echo the sentiments of many in the community, where the desire to give back and support each other is strong.
The focus of the clean-up efforts was centered around Main Street in Hendersonville, one of the hardest-hit areas. Organizations such as The United Way of Sumner County and Beautiful Hendersonville coordinated the volunteers, spreading them out to maximize the impact of their work. LaMarr described the task at hand: “They’re picking up all types of installation and building materials that’s been blown all across the city, beyond even where the tornado itself hit. It blew the debris to different areas.” This clean-up process, though tedious, was made lighter by the overwhelming community support.
The sense of community was further bolstered by the fact that all supplies for the clean-up were donated. This collective effort not only addressed the immediate physical needs of the area but also served as a powerful symbol of unity and mutual support.
Lending a Helping Hand
The United Way of Sumner County is facilitating further support for those affected by the tornado through the 2023 UWSC Disaster Relief Fund. This fund aims to provide targeted aid, distributing resources through local help centers such as the Hendersonville Samaritan Association and Gallatin CARES. Those wishing to contribute to the disaster relief efforts can do so by visiting the United Way of Sumner County’s website.
