2014 Citizens of the Year

    At tonight’s Central Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, the 2014 Central Citizens of the Year and Central Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be honored.  The 2014 Central Citizens of the Year, nominated by a community member and chosen by representatives from seven Central community non-profit organizations, are the members of the Zoar Baptist Church Disaster Relief Team.  Over 100 men have contributed to this group, which travels around the country to help with disaster relief.  When there has been a disaster, these men freely offer their skills with chainsaws and other tools to clear fallen trees and debris from roofs and streets.  They also “blue roof” homes, schools, and churches to minimize damage. The members of this group travel at their own expense, so they won’t burden an already stressed community.  They have their own trailer and supplies that they bring with them.  They work in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention relief projects, and they are on standby to respond at any time to needs all over the country.  They work with church organizations, local governments, and utility companies to assess needs and plan the best ways to help communities in recovery.  They have worked the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and landslides in all sorts of weather.  These men receive no compensation for their hundreds of hours of relief efforts.  They do it strictly out of their love for the Lord and their fellow men.  Their selflessness and generosity are great examples of what a Citizen of the Year should be.