******UPDATE*******

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your support for Boyd, Tracy, and their boys. The family has been touched by the outpouring of support at various levels. Because of your kindness, we've reached almost 90% of the donation goal! The family has truly appreciated, beyond words, the financial gifts, cleaning supplies, food items, and toiletries. Due to the numerous, hands on volunteers, the family has been able to make significant traction on the road to recovery. All of this has been overwhelming in the best way.

We want to provide an update on what has been discovered over this last week. The flooding impacted more than they initially realized, and it’s left them facing some major challenges:

• Carpet/Laminate: The have had to rip out all the flooring due to widespread moister damage—every room was affected.

• HVAC System: Unfortunately, some of the HVAC system in compromised. They were able to replace the electronics in the air handler but all of the duct work in the crawlspace is damaged – it will all need replaced. This means no heating or cooling, and repairs are urgent and costly.

• Kitchen Cabinets: What was hoped to salvage is beyond saving. —complete replacement is now necessary.

• Basement Furniture: As expected, all of the furniture in the basement is damaged and will need replacement. This is that area that the boys used for bed rooms.

• Boys Clothing: Both boys lost the majority of their belongings. The family will need to replace much of their clothes and personal items.

• Outdoor storage, rear decking, and other personal items stored: Most of this is a complete loss. The rear deck has been removed to make way for a safe replacement. The family’s personal storage items were mostly destroyed by mud and water.

The financial and emotional toll is real, but so is the hope that they feel when they look at how many of you have already shown up for them Due to the extensive physical damage to the home and the Pickard’s belongings, we are increasing the donation goal. Your support keeps them moving forward.

Through this incredibly difficult time the Pickard family continues to give to their community. They exemplify “Love Thy Neighbor.

Here are some examples of how the Pickards have helped others even in their time of need

• Sharing emergency supplies: the family has offered their own emergency supplies to the local community

• Sharing volunteers: the family has led multiple trips to neighboring houses to move furniture, rip up carpet, clean up large debris that could not easily be done by hand

• Phone calls and door visits: the family has made it a priority to ensure EVERYONE in the community is safe, feed, and well protected.

• Mobilizing a fresh water supply: due to severely contaminated water, the family worked with friends and businesses to arrange a 250-gallon fresh water tank for the community to use.

• A voice of reason: Boyd has made contact, on behalf of the community, on several occasions for local government support. He was successful in bringing exposure of the situation to local officials. The local official made a special visit to see the damage first hand.

They are more determined than ever to rebuild, and your continued help—whether it’s a donation, a share, or just a message—means everything. Thank you for sticking with them through this storm.

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On Sunday, July 6th, Tropical Depression Chantal devastated the Haw River area, specifically the Country Estates neighborhood. The Pickard Family home was flooded with over 15 feet of water in the yard and 4 feet of water inside the home. The lower level of the home, including their boys' rooms and belongings, was destroyed. All of the ductwork and insulation were ripped from the home. The outbuildings and vehicles on the property were also damaged.

Insurance will not help with any of the cleanup or repairs needed to make their home livable. Friends and family will be doing the work, but the cost of materials and supplies will be astronomical.

The Pickards have helped so many of us through their ministry, community work, and friendship. This is our turn to help them. Please help me raise money to pay for the cleanup and renovation of their home.