Every day people pull up to Columbia Outdoors/The Great McArthur on U.S. 98, and drop off donated items on the porch without saying a word.
Inside the store, it brings a smile to the face of owner Grant McArthur.
Since the COVID-19 crisis began and now with tornados striking this week, the supplies are going to people in need in Columbia and surrounding areas.
It’s simply neighbors helping neighbors, and McArthur has dubbed it “Helping Hands.”
“If it was me (in need), I’d love to have some help. That’s what I tell everybody,” he said. “If we don’t help our neighbors, who is? The outpouring is amazing.”
The effort started when McArthur, who is a part-time deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, saw a need to aid the elderly while patrolling when the coronavirus restrictions for outside activity began. He got a few items to help and jokingly texted his pastor, Oved Dunaway of Life Church, that “Operation Helping Hands is a go.”
The effort grew quickly from there. There’s not been a count of how many they’ve helped, but McArthur said it’s been many and that donations have poured in daily.
McArthur says it’s not him at all who deserves the credit but rather the people who give.
“They’re not cutting it short either,” he said. “They’re really giving some good stuff. It’s sort of took off and is truly a blessing.”
People in need generally contact him through church or Facebook Messenger. On Sunday he was able to match up a mother who needed goat’s milk for her baby with a goat farmer.
The generosity, McArthur says, has been “kind of amazing to watch.”
After tornados struck nearby Jeff Davis and Lawrence counties Sunday afternoon, someone gave $300, which was used to purchase tarps and totes for people whose homes were damaged or destroyed to put their belongings in. Other items that have been donated include cleaning supplies and non-perishable food, and some have given cash.
McArthur said people interested in making donations or who need help can call Life Church or message him on Facebook. He said if people in need can’t come, they will make sure the supplies get to them.
“We need to stand together more than ever now,” he said.
