Local churches spearhead donation drives amid regional devastation
By Jon Johnson
GLOBE — As the saying goes, some things are bigger than the game. It’s in moments like these that the true character of a coach, a team, and an entire community shines through under pressure.
Heavy rains battered eastern Arizona, overwhelming waterways in and around Globe, Miami, Claypool, and San Carlos. The resulting floods, which began on Sept. 25, claimed at least three lives, left others unaccounted for, and unleashed chaos: nearly 1,000 propane tanks were swept away from a distribution facility, posing serious hazards, while debris forced closures along portions of U.S. 60.
In the wake of the disaster, the Pima community sprang into action without hesitation. Local churches quickly organized donation drives, collecting essential supplies for displaced residents so promptly that they shut off the call. Meanwhile, Pima High School head football coach Josh Wilkins saw an opportunity to deploy a ready-made workforce: his athletes.
After reaching out to contacts in the affected area, Wilkins rallied his football team for a trip to Globe. With the squads set to clash on the gridiron this Friday against their Globe counterparts, the timing felt serendipitous. Word spread quickly, and soon the school’s volleyball teams signed on as well. Pima High excused participating students from classes, assembling a convoy of eager young volunteers—athletes and parents alike—who headed east to lend a hand.
The group linked up with Globe High School students, including members of their football, volleyball, and cheer squads, as well as members of Miami’s football team, at Globe’s football field. From there, they fanned out to hard-hit sites, tackling cleanup in the Downtown and Copper Rim neighborhoods. Wading through shin-deep mud and debris, they hauled away muck, salvaged belongings, and undertook the grueling physical labor necessary to initiate the recovery process.
While the teams may have an upcoming match, there was little to no talk of it during the afternoon of labor. Instead, the teens cajoled with each other and jived, simply hanging out and performing service to an area in its time of need.
Gila County Emergency Management had already activated its Emergency Operations Center, coordinating with state and regional partners to deploy search-and-rescue teams and open shelters for those forced from their homes.
By day’s end, the Pima volunteers were exhausted, caked in grime, and ready for a well-earned meal before caravanning home at sundown. Tired and dirty? Absolutely. But the satisfaction of making a difference in a neighbor’s time of need was reward enough.
Highway 60 Closures postponed
Due to the recent flooding in the Globe-Miami area, scheduled closures on U.S. Highway 60 for work on the Queen Creek Bridge replacement project have been postponed to assist emergency relief efforts.
Daytime closures had been scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2.
Crews will instead be removing storm debris on U.S. Highway 60 between mileposts 243 and 251, requiring daily lane restrictions in both directions.
Drivers can expect delays as heavy equipment removes debris and material from the roadway.
For those who wish to donate or volunteer, reach out to the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce for more information.
