For the past three months, missionary trips across the country and around the world have been put on hold due to COVID-19, but on July 11, Weaver and his team will be the first group to volunteer in Belle, West Virginia since the pandemic began.

Weaver is the director and co-founder of Missions of Helping Hands, a faith-based group that is located in Brocton and includes members from throughout northern Chautauqua and Erie counties. From July 11 through 18, Weaver and his team from Missions of Helping Hands will be heading to West Virginia to build homes due to the devastating flooding that occurred in 2018.

“There will be eight of us going this year,” Weaver told the OBSERVER. “Usually, we go with between 18 and 20 volunteers, including high school students and adults.”

Weaver began planning this year’s trip in December, and initially had 18 volunteers signed up. However, since the pandemic, the group has dwindled to eight.

Submitted Photo Missions of Helping Hands is returning to Wilmington, North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

“About two months ago, I was thinking that we might have to cancel our trip,” he told the OBSERVER. “When things started improving, we decided to keep going and keep in touch with North Coast Recovery and Baptists on a Mission.”

Although the group was originally planning to travel to Wilmington, North Carolina to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Florence, a more urgent need arose in West Virginia.

“If we don’t start the homes, FEMA will pull the $2.5 million in grant funding, and 100 families will go without homes,” Weaver told the OBSERVER.

Due to COVID-19, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to participate this year, which has disappointed several area students. Weaver emphasized the importance of safety as the group travels and works in Belle, and looks forward to the younger volunteers joining him next summer.

Weaver said West Virginia-based volunteers have taken all the precautionary measures of disinfecting the group’s accommodations.

“We’re the first team since COVID-19 arose. They haven’t had any volunteers since last year,” he said.

The team is looking forward to rebuilding homes, doing everything from plumbing to dry wall to flooring and even some electrical work.

“We go and help people in need when they need it,” said Weaver. “Anyone is welcome to join our group and come on our trips – no experience is necessary.”

One of the biggest challenges Missions of Helping Hands has faced is raising money for the upcoming trip.

“COVID-19 put a stop to all of our fundraisers,” Weaver explained. “We’re all paying for our way down.”

Weaver said that the group will be driving down to West Virginia and bringing supplies with them. His church, Harvest Chapel Free Methodist Church of Fredonia, has contributed money and supplies toward the trip, and the group is welcoming donations from others. Donations can be sent to Missions of Helping Hands, 8345 Route 380, Brocton, NY 14716. For more information, visit Missions of Helping Hands on Facebook or contact Weaver at 680-0353.