LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland residents will be able to access many of the resources they need in one location on Wednesday. Combee Connection Ministries and Church is teaming up with several organizations for a community recovery outreach.

Church members spent most of Tuesday preparing for the event. With them was Savannah Gary, who has volunteered for Combee Connection several times this year.

“I just wanted to give back and help people in our community. I grew up here. This is home,” she said.

Gary lives just a few blocks from the church building. She shared photos of the day after Hurricane Milton made landfall, which severely damaged parts of her home.

“We got our roof ripped off and our carport,” she said. “We lost power for four days, but as soon as I got power, we came out here and started working. This church actually helped me, so I help back.”

The church has been connecting people to resources and services since 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. But Pastor Kay Kasser says Wednesday will be their largest outreach yet.

“It’s been a really big response. We’re looking for overflow parking, if that gives you an indicator,” she said.

Kasser says they’re teaming up with more than 20 agencies to help community members, including the Red Cross and AmeriCorps.

Once people sign in, they’ll receive assistance and boxes of food. They’ll also have access to portable laundry rooms and showers, which Pastor Kasser says residents in flooded areas need right now.

“And when there’s a need, we’re here as a church to meet that need. That’s what we’re called to do,” she said.

As for Gary, she’s looking forward to being of service, helping others at Combee Connection Church while she searches for some relief herself.

The community event will run Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, click here.