Mayor Bob Coble (far left), medical personnel, and volunteers welcome Hurricane Katrina evacuees to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

On Wednesday September 7, four jets arrived at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport carrying evacuees from the hurricane battered Gulf Coast. The first plane delivered around 25 people to Columbia, including a daschund puppy. Rescue and medical personnel were on hand to assist those in need. “Experts estimate that about 20% of the people on each flight will have special needs,” said Mary Bright of the SC Emergency Management Division.

The evacuees spent about an hour at the airport where they were offered a shower, clean clothes, and food. According to Hope Derrick of SC Cares, cell phones were available courtesy of wireless companies. Each evacuee was also given an identification card.

City busses were used to transport people to the Resource Center on Pickens Street, near Maxcy Gregg Park, where they will receive help in their transition to Columbia.

By Pam Clark

Meanwhile, charitable organizations around the Midlands have been preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Katrina’s evacuees. Reverend Gene Feagin and Travis Feagin (pictured on page one) were among many at Asbury Memorial United Meth-odist Church who helped gather personal hygiene items.

Methodists statewide have gathered specific items and established collection sites for equipment, food, and supplies to help disaster victims.

The United Meth-odist Church headquarters located at 4908 Colonial Drive is the collection site for Columbia. Early response teams of volunteers will be trained and deployed in October and November. Those interested may call 803-786-9486. Training sessions begin September 17. The church will be housing victims at Asbury Hills, a Methodist retreat.

Photo by Natasha Whitling