COLUMBUS — “We’ve spent more time watching it rain than anything else,” said Mike Wright, of Fayetteville. “We’d like to be busy, but this is blessing in a way.”

Wright, along with his wife, Linda, and NC Baptist Men Team Leader Judy Stone, of Lumberton, were  sitting under an outdoor pavilion next to the Polk County Senior Center in Columbus on Wednesday afternoon. They have been there since last Saturday and said they will be there as long as there is a need.

The three volunteers are from the NC Baptist Men, a division of Baptists on Mission. They are manning a shower and laundry facility for those affected by the recent storms in Polk County.

“We’re not sure how many people realize we’re here,” Wright said.

Stone said she thought a lot of storm victims were either staying with friends or family, or preferred to be in their own homes regardless of whether they had power or water.

“The people here are taking care of each other,” she said. “It’s a close knit community.”

The portable shower and laundry facility was set up at the senior center, which Polk County authorities designated as a satellite or overflow shelter for those affected by the storms. There are eight washers and dryers and four showers with sinks.

Anyone affected by the storm who needs help can come by and the team will wash, dry and fold their clothes, and pack them in plastic bags that have been decorated by children from churches across North Carolina.

Though the number of storm victims using the facility has not been great, the shower and laundry team also supports the volunteers from the relief center who will soon be pouring in from across North Carolina to help with clean up after the storm. An advance team of volunteers from the NC Baptist Men has set up a relief center at Midway Baptist Church in Columbus, and is currently doing assessments of the storm damage to determine what is needed in the way of workers and equipment.

Stone said as those volunteers start work, the showers and laundry will be busier.

“Those affected by the storms are always welcome though,” she said. “We’re here for the community and will be here as long as there is a need.”

The showers and laundry facility are housed in large trailers with four showers in one trailer and stackable washers and dryers in the other. The team also brings its own generator to power the facility.

“All we need is a water and sewer connection,” Stone said, explaining how local authorities helped them connect to the sewer system and made sure everything was environmentally safe.

The official hours for the showers and laundry facilities are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, Stone said if someone needs a shower after getting off work they will be there for anyone who needs help.

In addition to the shower and laundry facility, anyone who needs shelter can stay at the senior center, as the Red Cross’ shelter at Polk County Middle School has been closed. The senior center is located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus, just off Skyuka Road.

For help with clean up supplies, bottled water, hot meals, medication replacement and other support, those affected by the storm can contact the Red Cross at 828-333-9017.