Church, veterans group join forces to help each other clean up after flood

SCOTT CITY — Adversity often brings neighbors together in unique ways.

Anyone who may be in Scott City today can see how Father's Arms Fellowship, a nondenominational church, and the Scott City VFW are helping each other deal with flood damage to their buildings.

Father's Arms sustained damage after a recent all-day 14-inch rain when sewage seeped through the bathrooms and spread into other parts of the church, said the Rev. Ken Strong, pastor of the church.

Next door at the VFW hall, the same thing occurred, ruining carpet and creating a potential health hazard. The church has flood insurance, but needs to raise money to pay its deductible. The VFW has insurance on its building, but no flood insurance.

"You don't expect 14 inches of rain to come," said Levi Woods, a Vietnam veteran and the Scott City VFW commander.

Much of the cleanup work has been done through volunteers. Thirteen volunteers spent about eight hours cleaning the smelly mess in the church, Strong said. Volunteers helped put the VFW building into good enough condition that members can hold Bingo and use the kitchen, Wood said. But more remains to be done in each location.

The two groups are joining forces to hold a big yard sale to raise money to clean up their buildings. Church members and and business have donated items to sell, Strong said, and some church groups who were planning their own fundraising sales have donated their goods and the proceeds from their sale to help clean up the church. A family who recently settled the estates of two deceased relatives donated household items from those relatives' homes. A church in Perryville, Mo., that has closed gave some appliances and other items to Father's Arms to sell. Some businesses donated services and labor to help make the sale happen.

The VFW also will have items for sale but hopes to raise money mostly through the sale of refreshments at the two-day sale, which began Friday.

Veda Mott was browsing through some housewares Friday morning, picking out a small percolator coffee pot and some other items to take home with her.

"I came because I knew there was a need," Mott said.

Like others in the steady flow of shoppers walking among the bargains at the VFW Hall, Mott browsed among the housewares, books, clothing, furniture and "what-nots."

Adversity brings neighbors together sometimes, but the VFW and Father's Arms have always been good neighbors. For one thing, they share a parking lot.

Woods says the two groups also share a bond by being involved in the community in various ways. Veterans who belong to the 75-member VFW chapter go there to play Bingo and enjoy fellowship among themselves.

The sale will continue today. Items will be sold by donation and will not be priced. Donations are tax deductible.

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160