Minden Church of Christ giving out supplies beginning Monday

Webster residents are still struggling to get back on their feet after severe weather last week caused extensive flood damage throughout the area.

Jeff Shadd, a Lake Bistineau resident for about 30 years, had to leave his Miller Briarwood Road home after more than three feet of water flooded his home.

“I don’t think it’s been this bad since the bad flood of 1991,” he said as he and his niece, Shelby Francis, emptied water from his boat from the weekend storms.

Shadd said that pretty much everything in his home is a loss, who is staying with his sister while he waits on the water to recede – which could take weeks.

Sunday, a semi-truckload hauling more than $75,000 worth of supplies arrived at Minden Church of Christ as part of the Church of Christ Disaster Relief Effort. It’s one step in a long road to recovery for people such as Shadd.

Around 100 volunteers, made up of church members, community volunteers, the Minden Fire Department and the Youth Challenge Program unloaded the truck and organized the supplies for distribution.

Minden Church of Christ Minister Tracy Winget said the supplies consist of cleanup items, food, water, personal hygiene items and other essentials a person would need.

Winget said starting at 9 a.m. Monday morning, those affected by the flood will be able to pick up supplies at the church, located at 200 College St. in Minden.

“If they are able to get out, they can come directly to the church,” he said. “We’re trying to set up a mobile tent down in Sibley to maybe help some of the Lake Bistineau residents that aren’t able to get out.”

Winget said anyone affected by the flood would be able to receive food and personal care items. Down the road, other items, such as appliances and furniture will be available to those that meet certain requirements.

The church received more than 300 boxes of food and should supplies run out, he said the church would be able to get another shipment in within 24 hours.