Conduff, along with Jacquelyn Ray, founded Cartersville Cares on Thursday in wake of the recent storms.
“We’re just two moms that knew there was a need and knew we wanted to do something, and it just blossomed into this,” Conduff said.
With the help of donations from residents and businesses, 200 meals were taken to storm victims Friday morning, and a group of volunteers were busy preparing sack meals to distribute for lunch and dinner later in the day.
Conduff said the community response has been great. About two dozen volunteers came to The Church at Liberty Square Friday morning to help prepare meals for 50 families.
On Thursday, with the help of McDonalds, 250 people were fed in Adairsville. A station was set up at North Point Church. Volunteers used ATVs for families unable to leave their homes.
Cartersville Cares is working with the Emergency Management Agency to get food and supplies to the Crowe Springs subdivision. Items, such as boxes and garbage bags, are needed also, Conduff said, “so that they can start cleaning up their mess and box up things they have left.”
Conduff said there are people camping at their homes. “We are going to get food brought to them,” she said.
Cartersville Cares is still seeking food donations and volunteers.
“We need volunteers, people to help put meals together and deliver it to different locations,” she said.
Nancy McDaniel is one of the volunteers who heard about the organization through Facebook.
McDaniel, who has helped during disasters before, said she knows how to organize and delegate.
She echoed Conduff's plea for volunteers and food.
McDaniel said donations fro McDonalds and the= Zaxby’s in Calhoun have been appreciated, and Walmart in Cartersville and Acworth have also donated items.
"We’ve been really blessed,” she said.
Conduff said no item is too big or small.
“They are grateful for anything,” she said of the victims.
Cartersville Cares is also requesting backpacks with items needed for those camping near their homes. Backpacks and supplies can be dropped off at The Church at Liberty Square Church or North Point Church. Personal care items - deodorant, soap, bandages, antibiotic ointments, bottled water, protein bars, breakfast bars, sports drinks - are also needed. The group is also in need of more volunteers Friday afternoon and Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m. at The Church at Liberty Square and will be taking clothing donations at Excel Christian Academy from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. For updated information the group asks to check Cartersville Cares Facebook page.
Items needed include:
Bread
Sandwich meat
Bottled water
Chips
Fruit
Sliced cheese
Large boxes for transport
Lunch sized paper bags
Plastic sandwich bags
Juice boxes
Cookies and snacks
Items for a sacked meal
Napkins
Four wheelers
Chain Saws
Garbage bags
Cash donations