Local couple recognized for helping citizens in Seneca after tornado

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR

A local couple is being recognized for their part in helping citizens in Seneca South Carolina who were impacted by the tornado that ripped through part of that city in April.

Mike Cooper lives in Seneca and is a retired business owner. Cooper said he was part of a group of volunteers who joined together to help victims of the tornado.

“The morning after this happened, we decided God wanted us to help. So, we decided to go to the areas that were hardest hit and see what the need was. A lot of people had just lost everything they had,” he said.

Cooper said he and his wife began working to get food, shelter, clothing and other items to those in need.

A couple of weeks later he said the group he was volunteering with received call from Chris and Sheila Brown who own Second Time Around in Lavonia, Royston, and Toccoa.

Cooper said the couple offered to donate items and brought a truckload of items and then offered to donate more.

“They brought the first of goods, blankets, various items, and food. They brought a trailer load of stuff – a huge truck. You would not believe all that they brought. Then a  week later they called and said they had more stuff for your efforts.”

That time, Cooper said he went to pick up the donations, which turned out to be an entire truckload of food.

“I actually took that food and took it to our Golden Corner Food Bank so they could distribute it accordingly. Chris and Sheila were such a big help. And it’s with heartfelt thanks that we think they should be recognized for their help,” he said.

In all, Cooper said the Browns donated over $6,000 in food, clothing, and other items to those who lost everything on April 13 when the tornadoes ripped through a part of Seneca.