People who attend the potpie dinner at Wesley United Methodist Church (UMC) will be helping two of their own help others.

The event will be held Saturday, March 8, from 3 to 7 p.m. or until sold out at the church, 40 W. Main St., Strasburg. It is a joint venture with West Willow United Methodist Church, as Robert Garvey is a pastor at both Wesley and West Willow.

The eat-in or takeout dinner includes potpie, coleslaw, peas, a roll, and a drink. Potpie will also be sold by the quart. Baked goods will be sold.

All proceeds will benefit Hurricane Helene reconstruction projects in North Carolina.

"We thought this would be a fun way to support Lynn and Tim Young, who are still working down in North Carolina," said Kay Graybill, Wesley UMC's mission coordinator. "Each month we pick a mission or project to support."

Tim's parents, Paul and Rose Young, were active in Wesley UMC before moving to North Carolina to be closer to Tim, Lynn, and their 11 children.

Lynn and Tim have been working to assist people who are recovering from the effects of the hurricane, which occurred in late September. "As they receive funds, they take the money and go buy the material they need and help people," said church member Pete Kingsley, whose wife, Janet, is Lynn's aunt.

Lynn and Tim live in North Carolina and make a six-hour round-trip to the most affected areas in the western part of the state. "We just feel as neighbors that is our calling," Lynn said. "We are supposed to take care of whoever it is that's in need. The need there is greater than we have seen before."

She is thankful that Wesley UMC will be holding the potpie dinner to support their mission. "We were pleasantly surprised," Lynn said. "We are excited to be able to do a little bit more. It's been a gift for certain. It allows us to take on slightly larger projects."

Lynn and Tim will first complete projects they weren't able to finish on their last trip, including building a new porch on a tiny home for a Vietnam veteran who is confined to a wheelchair, purchasing a stove and insulated windows for that home, and working on other projects on that street.

Lynn and Tim are not doing the work on their own. Many of their children are also assisting and bring friends along. Sean is an HVAC expert, and Adam and Samuel are electricians. JohnPaul, Ehren, Michaela, and Gabriella also pitch in.

Tim said one of the greatest gifts he ever received from his parents was to understand servitude and always be there for those in need. "This gift is a way of life shared by me and our children," Lynn said. "To pray with and for people while providing what they need in materials, labor, and hope is a gift and privilege we can all participate in."

The Youngs repair roofs, build shelters, provide fuel, clear debris, repair driveways, and prepare and serve meals for residents and other volunteers.

They are seeking the donation of a camper or money to be able to purchase a discounted one so they can stay on-site instead of having to make the six-hour round-trip.

"We plan to continue to return to the area to utilize our God-given abilities to help all we can," said Lynn.

Lynn said there are still people living in cars and tents while some remain in homes with leaky roofs. Many businesses that provide jobs are closed, some of them permanently.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the relief efforts can email office@wesleystrasburg.org or call 717-687-6392 to learn where to send a check, which should include the note "hurricane relief." Checks should be received by Saturday, March 15.

"We have the time, ability, and desire to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ," Lynn said. "Those who can serve financially, we ask that you partner with us to help provide for those who have suffered such loss. Most importantly, we ask for continued prayers for all those affected and all of us serving."