Today we were alerted that Samaritan’s Purse is looking for volunteers to assist homeowners affected by recent tornadoes in Indiana and Ohio. On Thursday, March 14, 2024, a severe weather outbreak across the Midwest and into the South caused deadly tornadoes that resulted in damage across multiple states. As noted below the work projects will begin immediately and will be over quickly. This is a great opportunity for those who would be able to serve as Day Volunteers. Please note the telephone numbers below that are available for each location.

Locations: Winchester and Selma, IN, and Lakeview, OH.

Project Description: Volunteers will assist homeowners affected by tornadoes and will help in Jesus’ Name with roof tarping, debris cleanup, and chainsaw work. There will be opportunities for overnight and day volunteers. No skills are necessary before serving. Volunteers will be led and instructed by experienced team leads.

Length of Stay: Minimum stay of three days for overnight volunteers—maximum stay of 2 weeks.

Schedule: Volunteers will work Monday through Saturday. At the beginning of a deployment, we work limited hours on Sundays.

Maximum Team Size: 15 (a team is made up of 2 or more individuals)

Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age or older. Youths, ages 14-15, must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian, and youth, ages 16-17, must be accompanied by an adult chaperone unless the team is registered as a youth group. Youth groups may serve with Samaritan’s Purse and are required to complete a Youth Leader Covenant. Please read more information about our Youth Policy in the FAQ section.

Winchester and Selma, IN (Currently scheduling volunteers beginning Sunday, March 17, through Saturday, March 30, 2024): Local / Day Volunteers: If you are local to the area, we welcome you to serve for the day. Due to the nature of disaster relief, our schedule must remain fluid. Please contact our site at 765-546-7948 at least 24 hours before the date you wish to serve. Please arrive at our orientation location: The Compass Church, 101 Energy Park Drive, Winchester, IN 47394. Orientation takes place at 7:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will work Monday – Saturday, beginning Sunday, March 17, 2023, at 12:30 pm. Day volunteers will need to bring a bagged lunch, water, and hand sanitizer.

Lakeview, OH (Currently scheduling volunteers beginning Sunday evening, March 17, through Saturday, April 6, 2024.): Local / Day Volunteers: If you are local to the area, we welcome you to serve for the day. Due to the nature of disaster relief, our schedule must remain fluid. Please contact our site at 937-935-4391 at least 24 hours before the date you wish to serve. Please arrive at our orientation location: Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 624 Township Road 55, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Orientation takes place at 7:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will work Monday – Saturday, beginning Monday, March 18, 2024, at 7:30 am. Day volunteers will need to bring a bagged lunch, water, and hand sanitizer.

You can get additional information on these projects at spvolunteer.org

If you have additional questions, please contact Brenda Harvey at brendalharvey1@gmail.com (301-616-1367) or contact Mark Teets at mteets@snowycreekdorset.com (304-698-7197). As always, we ask that you be in prayer for the families affected by these storms and for the volunteers who go to serve in Jesus’ Name.