Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

What happens when it’s not a beautiful day in the neighborhood?

Many of us grew up watching Fred Rogers, the beloved television personality known for his children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which started airing in 1968. But perhaps his most famous quote comes from a 1983 book, Mister Rogers Talks With Parents, where he recalled encountering scary things in the news as a boy.

His mother advised: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

After a disaster strikes, that’s right where you’ll find the volunteers committed to carrying out the mission of the Danville-based God’s Pit Crew.

In today’s edition, we’re highlighting those helpers. And I’m so glad you’re here.

Amie Knowles

Newsletter Editor, Dogwood

PS: We know there are tons of stories from small towns across the commonwealth that don’t get the kind of attention they deserve, and we want to do our part to share more of them. If that matters to you like it does to us, will you email me to let me know? You can also scroll to the bottom and give this edition a thumbs up—your opinion means so much!

Photo of previous disaster relief efforts provided by God’s Pit Crew.

When the storm clears: Danville-based God’s Pit Crew helps those impacted by recent tornadoes

“For our crew, it is a mix of urgency, heartbreak, and purpose,” said Carly Brashears.

Because when the God’s Pit Crew team rolls out of Southside Virginia, it’s a good chance that someone else is having a very bad day.

We recently connected with Brashears, the nonprofit organization’s director of media and public relations, after a mass of severe weather impacted parts of the country on May 15 and 16, leaving a trail of damage and devastation from the Heartland to the East Coast.

A caravan of help left the group’s Danville headquarters on Tuesday, heading to St. Louis, Missouri, where an EF3 tornado with wind speeds up to 152 mph hit the area. The National Weather Service noted that at times, the tornado was a mile wide.

As of May 18, ABC News reported 28 deaths in three states—Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia—in direct relation to the storms. Tornadoes claimed the lives of many of the victims and caused extensive damage to the impacted areas. That’s where God’s Pit Crew steps in. When a natural disaster covers a large area like the multitude of recent tornadoes did, Brashears explained, the crew assesses where they might be most helpful.

Along with prayer and discussion with local emergency management, churches, and community leaders in the affected regions, the nonprofit also looks at logistics: Where the damage is most severe, where access for equipment and volunteers is possible, and any areas where resources may be lacking.

“There are often areas that receive little or no help due to countless reasons—that’s where we try to go. God’s Pit Crew’s goal is to respond with both speed and compassion,” Brashears said. “We focus on deploying and delivering supplies that are most urgently needed first—Blessing Buckets filled with essentials like shelf stable food, bottled water, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, Bibles, and more.”

The on-the-ground team also seeks out opportunities to help residents who are overwhelmed and may not know where to begin. Sometimes, that means offering damaged tree removal, cleaning up debris, putting tarps on roofs—and even rebuilding homes in some cases.

This time, help is heading to St. Louis.

“… when they see the God’s Pit Crew trucks pull in, full of volunteers and supplies, there is often a visible shift—sometimes tears, oftentimes words of thanks, and sometimes just a quiet look of relief.”

Dozens of volunteers—not just from Danville, but a multitude of states—offered to help with the organization’s coordinated relief efforts. A church in St. Louis offered to house up to 50 volunteers per night. In addition to a safe place to rest, volunteers can clean off in the crew’s mobile shower trailer, will have laundry access, and will receive three meals a day.

“It truly becomes a home base for our team on the ground,” Brashears said.

As of Monday afternoon, five God’s Pit Crew tractor-trailer loads filled with relief supplies were heading to Missouri and Kentucky to support those affected by the tornadoes. The trucks carried pallets of bottled water, food, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, Blessing Buckets, and more. Brashears noted that the number of donations was still growing.

Keep reading

Southside and Southwest Virginia are areas filled with vibrant culture, amazing eats, and plenty of wonderful adventures to explore. Today, we’re highlighting some of the best elements that make these parts of our commonwealth unique.

The green Siren is synonymous with coffee for most people. While it’s hard to deny that the Seattle-based chain has a delectable drink menu, these eight Southwest Virginia coffee shops could give Starbucks a run for its money (READ MORE HERE).
Instead of taking a dip in a boring old pool or even the ocean, opt for a refreshing swim in one of these 10 freshwater swimming holes—several of which are in SWVA. While they range in size and location, they’re all well worth the journey, especially the ones at the bottom of waterfalls (READ MORE HERE).
Nostalgia takes center stage at some of Virginia’s most charming soda fountains and general stores. These establishments not only serve delicious food and drinks, but also provide a glimpse into a simpler time. Here are seven must-visit spots—in Southwest and beyond—that capture the spirit of old-fashioned Americana (READ MORE HERE).

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This email is written by Amie Knowles, newsletter editor at Dogwood, lifelong Virginia resident, and mom to a fantastic seven-year-old who loves monster trucks.
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