DECATUR COUNTY, GA — The Decatur County MLK Committee is turning concern into action, collecting supplies to support first responders battling wildfires in North Georgia.
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Kelvin Bouie Sr., the chairperson of the Decatur County MLK Committee, said his personal history as a firefighter inspired the effort.
"We heard about the fires that was up north in North Georgia. Then we decided, 'Let's do something for them.' Because I grew up back in the eighties being a volunteer fireman, and I'm still a fireman. So I understand the passion of, you get that call in the middle of the night," Bouie said.
The community-wide drive is collecting hygiene items, snacks, and water to support first responders working long, unpredictable hours.
Dalton McMillan, a fire rescue engineer with Bainbridge Public Safety, says the basics matter most.
"Mostly water. Water during the day here. We try to stay hydrated the best we can. And any little snack, kind of, what we can grab when we're going out the door and, you know, we get that moment in time. Anything kind of helps out as far as a snack," McMillan said.
In April, the Georgia Forestry Commission was called to 17 wildfires in Decatur County that burned nearly 70 acres of land. That does not include the ongoing fires in South Georgia, which have burned tens of thousands of acres.
Organizers say they hope more neighbors will step in and support first responders as the collection effort continues.
Donations can be dropped off at Christ Tabernacle Church in Bainbridge on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The committee is asking for:
- Bottled water
- Gatorade/Electrolyte drinks
- Non perishable snacks
- Protein/granola bars
- Individually wrapped foods
- Hygiene items (wipes, deodorant, etc)
- Cooling towels
- Lip balm and sunscreen
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