By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
As part of Hinton Rural Life Center’s 60 year celebration, the Clay County Progress has focused on the folks carrying out Hinton’s mission every day — the staff and volunteers.
One group of volunteers has made such an impact, they cumulatively received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award a couple of years ago. The men, aptly named Woodchuckers, stay busy year round with the Hinton firewood ministry.
Most days, some of the Woodchuckers may be found at Hinton’s woodlot splitting, chopping, stacking and maybe even chucking logs. Frequently, the volunteers drive their trucks out into the county to collect wood from downed trees and bring it back to the woodlot for splitting and chopping. The camaraderie among the men stands out as they joke, laugh and work side-by-side on behalf of their neighbors.
Because many people have no other source of heat besides wood, ultimately, the firewood cut by The Woodchuckers is destined to keep someone warm. Hinton Center’s Firewood Ministry began around 2015 and has grown bigger each year.
Already for 2021, more than 200 truckloads of wood have been given away. According to Hinton staffer, Nick Oliver, it will probably end up being at least 450 truckloads of wood, as it was in 2020.
While the Woodchuckers have often retrieved downed hardwood trees from local properties, they do not cut trees down. If downed trees are easy to get to, the men will often assess the site and take the wood to add their supply. However, as busy as they stay, they usually have a long list of sites waiting for tree retrieval. At press time, there were about 30 sites waiting for the Woodchuckers arrival because splitting and removing already downed trees are just one of their tasks.
Head Woodchucker, Ricky Beggs, said more volunteers are always needed, whether an occasional workday or regular time given the group can always use help. “It does not have to be a big commitment,” he said. “If someone goes to the woodlot, he will text everyone else and tell them. Most of the time, others join him.” The Woodchuckers are men from several area churches, but church affiliation is not a requirement.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Woodchuckers, or anywhere at Hinton Center, may contact Ricky Hill. He completes a volunteer form and does a background check, free of charge.
In addition, help is needed to replace and repair wood splitting equipment and chainsaws, many of which belong to the volunteers. Donations of wood cutting equipment are appreciated, along with funds to purchase equipment or fuel to run it.
This time of year, firewood pickup is mostly self-service, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Wednesday. Anyone needing wood is encouraged to call first.
Any donations are tax deductible and will be used to further the ministry efforts to offer firewood to people who need it. Money may be used to purchase equipment or fuel for the trucks driven to collect trees or to deliver to some approved wood recipients.
For information about helping the firewood ministry, receiving firewood or volunteering, call Hinton Center at (828) 389-8336. To see a complete list of the Hinton anniversary events, find out more about Hinton or view interviews with clergy impacted by Hinton, visit: www.hintoncenter.org.