Effingham Steps in to Help

The Dixie Crystal Sugar Refinery did not just affect people here in Chatham County. Some of the employees who were seriously injured were from Effingham County. 

Now those who live in that community and knew the injured are doing something to help their families through such a rough time.

News Three's Night Side Reporter Alice Massimi explains how they're lending a helping hand.

Just a couple of miles up the road from the Dixie Crystal Plant Effingham County is praying for four of its friends and their families. 

Kelly Fields who passed away seven days after the explosion, Troy Bacon, Justin Purnell, and Paul Seckinger who remain at Augusta Burn Center in critical and serious condition.

Touched and worried about their neighbors the community is  coming together to show their support.

“Effingham County has responded in the most amazing way that it just gives me chills. Just thinking about all the stuff we got for these people and how much money we are going to raise for them,” says Melissa Reagan who helped organize the event.

It started off as a Boston Butt sale, but now it's grown into an all day family friendly event. 

For more than 48 hours now volunteers have been cooking up more than 2000 Boston Butts. They'll be sold for 20 dollars a piece at the event and all the proceeds will go to benefit the families.

“I think this is a way of people expressing their emotions, being able to do something makes us feel like maybe we are helping in a way,” says Janis Bevill a lifelong Effingham Resident.

Something Janis feels a need to do, especially because she knows one of the victims very well.

“You always think this could be me, this could be my children and knowing Paul from a child to now he's just a nice young man, he loves to hunt and fish he loves his daughter,” says Janis hoping he'll be home soon.

But in the meantime this community asks for your prayers and your donations.

Event Details:

Surrounding counties like Screven, Bulloch and Evans have also stepped in to help with the event.

The event will take place from 11- 7 at Kellys Tavern in Springfield Saturday.

In addition to the Boston Butt sale there will be baked goods, a silent auction, a raffle, and an area just for the kids.

All proceeds will go to benefit the families.

Four Wheeling Fundraiser:

Friends of Paul Seckinger are also holding a fundraiser next weekend. 

It will be a day of four wheeling and fun.

It starts at 11 on Saturday the 15th and will be held at the B and B Hunting Club in North Effingham.

The cost is twenty dollars to ride all day. Families are encouraged to attend. For more information call 663-5626