Shared by Shanique Wilson, as Guest Blogger.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 disaster struck across eastern Virginia as multiple tornadoes hit the ground. Homes were destroyed and lives were permanently affected by the unexpected storms.

In particular, the Evergreen community located in Appomattox, Virginia was struck hard. The tornado ran about thirteen miles, wind speeds maxing out at nearly 165 mph. It damaged nearly 100 homes with seven people reported injured and one tragic fatality.

Virginia Service and Conservation crews were on hand to help with disaster relief after multiple tornadoes struck Evergreen, VA

That weekend, the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps (VSCC) were requested to help. An aspect of the AmeriCorps program is being available for disaster relief across the state, mostly related to natural disasters. Initially, the crew from Pocahontas went out to Evergreen South Baptist Church, organized with other local volunteers to begin clean up.

Sometimes the hardest work is the most rewarding

By Monday, February 29, crews from Staunton River State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Leesylvania State Park and individuals from Leesylvania, Chippokes State Park, and Breaks Interstate State Park arrived on the scene.

For two days, the crews and individual placements, alongside a kind local volunteer, were located at two different homes, cutting down dangerous trees, clearing the road ways of debris, and keeping the home owners’ personal items safe and within a central area for them to go through later.

Though several crews had to return home, crews from Douthat State Park and First Landing State Park arrived that Wednesday, continuing the effort. Within the weeks' time, the crews and individuals were able to cut down at least a dozen trees, pile a mountain of debris, and salvage a large amount of items from the homes. 

Each VSCC team has certified sawyers for tree removal

It takes hours to clean up what took only minutes to destroy

Ethan Seaver, crewmember of Pocahontas State Park, posted later on Facebook, “Glad to be a part of such a hardworking, dedicated crew. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. There is plenty more work to be done.”

During the cleanup, the home owners stopped by, some for the first time since escaping from the tornado. It was a somber moment, watching the owners go through their houses, finding lost objects yet still finding time to send their gratitude to all volunteers involved.

Shay Wilson, the individual placement at Breaks Interstate, also stated on Facebook, “One of the best aspects of being in the VSCC is having the great opportunity of banding together as a program to help out others. It was a tiring week, but I know it was nothing compared to the trauma of going through such a natural disaster. Seeing the gratitude of the community makes the hard work worth it.”

Thank you Virginia Service and Conservation Corps of Virginia State Parks for being willing to serve

Though there is plenty of damage still needing to be tended to, the community has numerous volunteers, including the Red Cross, Liberty University students, and church volunteer groups, ready and willing to help get Appomattox County back on its feet.