McDuffie County recognizes people who helped with Hurricane Helene Recovery

THOMSON, Ga. (WJBF) – The Thomson City Council met Thursday night to honor people and businesses that helped the community after Helene.

"So many people deserve thank you's, but those folks were exceptional," said Keryl Corley, Acting Mayor.

Local businesses like Boswell Oil were recognized for supplying local and city government vehicles and employees with petroleum products. Also, Bennett Dudley with Dudley Nurseries for letting the county use a warehouse to store supplies for GEMA that would be distributed to the community.

"They always there for us; the sheriff's department, Mcduffie County sheriff's department, the city of Thomson, and the county are all great partners for us to have," said Bennett Dudley, CFO of Dudley Nurseries. "Going forward and things that they've done in the past for us. So doing things for the county is just a no-brainer."

Dudley also helped his community in Augusta by cleaning the streets in his neighborhood, including Highland Avenue, Millage Road, and some of Walton Way, and helping friends.

"Glad that we were fortunate enough to not have any damage at our house. So, I just felt obligated help everybody else because we had not damage. Plus, I had the access to the equipment with really helps," said Dudley.

A McDuffie County resident was honored for helping organize and distribute necessities to different distribution sites in the county and surrounding counties.

"I appreciate the recognition. It was very, very sweet of the thought, but I didn't have any anticipation to do it. That's not what I did it for. I'm a servant to the community," said Pamela Nickles, a volunteer.

Council members hope one thing continues after hurricane relief efforts are done.

"If anything comes out of this disaster, that is good. I would like to see that spirit of neighbor helping neighbor continues," said Corley.

They also recognized those who helped revitalize the Thomson City Cemetery since they could not due to the storm.