The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cleanup efforts after Helene

CHIEFLAND, Fla. (WCJB) -Debris still litters many communities in North Central Florida more than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall. One church had over 500 volunteers help clean up the damage.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been assisting people around the world affected by natural disasters since 1998, including areas in need of cleanup after Hurricane Helene.

Jared Tanner is a part of the church and is glad that so many people volunteered.

"We have been doing work like this for many years. We have been having a lot of these big storms like last year with Idalia. We are out here in the same location and probably helping some of the same people who were in need last year. With Helene we will be helping this weekend and next weekend," added Tanner.

People from all over Florida came to help. Robert Lee is from Orlando and brought more help to assist those affected by the damage from Hurricane Helene.

"Natural disasters, you know you can't stop them the only thing you can do is try to clean up and build afterward. Knowing that I wasn't affected the way, I was blessed and safe. So I can come stay a weekend and help other people. It just feels wonderful," said Lee.

The clean-up initiative aims to not only restore the affected areas but also to uplift the spirits of the community. Another round of clean-up activities is scheduled for tomorrow, running from 7 am to 1 pm.