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The University of Central Arkansas partnered with a group from UALR to assist with flood cleanup efforts in Pocahontas, Arkansas, which began Thursday, May 18.

UCA Bear Boots On The Ground was brought back in order to participate in this relief effort.

Volunteers met in front of UCA Reynolds Performance Hall at 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, and worked the entire day until 4:00 pm. The volunteers did not return to UCA until 8:00 p.m.

President Davis allowed UCA employees to attend without having to take a vacation day. He stated, “I appreciate anyone that is willing to represent UCA and participate.”

“I realize it will be a long day. You will be tired and your body will ache, but on the 2 1/2 hour drive back you will have a smile on your face,” said Gary Roberts, while recruiting volunteers. “When was the last time you smiled for 2 1/2 hours? Please sign up today. Your Arkansas family needs you.”

During the second day of volunteering, there were 13 UCA volunteers – 10 Bear Boots On The Ground participants plus 3 from UCA Baptist Collegiate Ministry – who worked on four houses in Pocahontas. UCA President Houston Davis joined in on the efforts as well!

Altogether, 20 UCA volunteers worked 2 full days (May 18 & 25) donating 235 hours of service. They worked on six houses removing drywall, insulation, kitchen cabinets, plumbing, flooring, and cleaning debris. UCA Bear Boots On The Ground had a large impact on many families in the Pocahontas area.

UCA extends a huge “thank you” to the following Bear Boots participants – President Houston Davis, Richard Hammond, Riva Brown, William Baker, Tchetahan Natogoma Silue, Malika Sylla, Zoheb Yunus, Sandy Ahne, Jennifer Boudreaux; and these individuals who worked two days – Misty Booth, Dylan Britto, Charlotte Strickland and Gary Roberts. UCA also thanks the three volunteers from Baptist Collegiate Ministry.