On Tuesday, March 14, Winter Storm Stella dumped record-breaking amounts of snow throughout the Northeast. While no records were broken in Philadelphia, the city was still under a state of snow emergency. To battle the blizzard’s effects, members from the Church of God in Philadelphia were called upon. The volunteers ventured out into the storm’s aftermath to aid families and individuals with shoveling and ice removal.
As Winter Storm Stella made its way across Philadelphia its impact was felt. It was bitter cold and streets and walkways were buried under layers of snow. Moreover, such difficult conditions made it dangerous for elderly and disabled individuals. The reason is that accessibility to their homes in case of an emergency becomes problematic during heavy winter storms.
As the snowfall continued, the office of State Representative Jared Solomon received several phone calls and emails. Citizens were requesting immediate assistance to combat the effects of the storm. Representative Solomon quickly reached out to the Church of God, who recently held an environmental cleanup just weeks prior to the storm. As community emergency response team members, the Church of God volunteers were ready to help the community.
A little over 60 volunteers from the Church of God hit the snow-covered streets of Northeast Philadelphia. Armed with shovels, rock salt, and their signature green vests, the members answered the call at nine o’clock at night. Furthermore, over 150 homes requested snow removal assistance. Nevertheless, members went house to house, without neglecting a single home.
Throughout the night the volunteers chipped away at the ice-covered porches and plowed through the snowy driveways. Along the way, some volunteers stopped to help a few drivers free their cars that were stuck in the snow. Residents offered their sincere gratitude as the volunteers continued shoveling until about one o’clock in the morning
“I can’t believe this; you guys are really special,” said one local resident who benefited from the Church of God’s efforts. Representative Solomon also offered his appreciation towards the Church of God members, calling them “the best thing to ever happen to Northeast Philadelphia.”
The efforts of the members caught the attention of local news station NBC 10 who broadcasted the scene. They reported the emergency response work during their 11 o’clock airing.
Check out the Church of God in the news:
wonderful deeds!! they are true children of God!
I think that through this snow removal we were able to do more than shovel snow and break ice; we broke concepts as well. In this generation many people only focus on themselves and have no time to think about the community; even less time is spent thinking of senior citizens who may not be able-bodied and cannot shovel snow for themselves. Even though we showed up later in the night, people were so appreciative that we came that they even offered us their own gloves, shovels, and any other tool that helped make the shoveling easier. I hope that we were also able to inspire others to join in on the mission to make our neighborhoods into true neighborhoods again through volunteer efforts like this one.
How great it is when brothers and sisters work in unity. Thanks to the Church of God, the Northeast will become a better place!
It was so cold this day! However it felt rewarding helping others who are unable to do much because of their age. I’m grateful that I had an opportunity to do something good for the elderly!
The community needs all kinds of volunteerism by its members. Those who are full of love can do this. Great job!
So surprised!! So many members responded to an urgent call for help without hesitation even late at night. They did their best to help neighbors in need till 1 o’clock at night. Who can be willing to do this kind of tough voluntary work? Only God’s children who sincerely follow Elohim God’s teachings. Sending thanks with all my heart.
It must be very cold… I am really proud of you all. You worked so hard untill late in the night. You have a heart of God Elohim. God bless you.
Despite the freezing weather, you helped many local people.
I’m so proud of WMSCOG in Philadelphia members! 🙂
Despite the freezing weather, you volunteered for our community!
I’m so proud of WMSCOG members! 🙂