"The churches are a vital part of the community, and we have to get them functioning to really recover," said Jon Williams, director of the state'sChurch2Church program.
Eighty-five churches were heavily damaged in the flooding. Walls had to be torn down; flooring ripped up. And about two dozen churches were left without pews.
The United Church of Chapel Hill had some pews to spare, as a result of its planned move to another location in the spring.
"We will not need these pews," says United Church Rev. Richard Edens, who is please that the pews will be used for "their original purpose, of equipping people to praise God and the upbuilding of a congregation ... For that, we're very thankful."
The 14 pews from United Church were added to 32 pews from a synagogue in Chicago.
The two truckloads are bringing more than just furniture. They are bringing hope for the future and faith that congregations down east will have a better year ahead.
The pews are just about a tenth of those needed down east. If your church or temple has extra pews to donate, callChurch2Churchat1-888-595-1459.
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