“Toombs Strong” Song Commemorates Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

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Around one year ago, the community remained in a state of devastation after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area, tearing down thousands of trees and light poles, and leaving the entire region struggling to find electricity and supplies. On Friday, September 26, the cities of Lyons and Vidalia released a new song to commemorate the resilience of the community and continue to raise funds for those in need.

“Toombs Strong” was written by Dove and Stellar Award Nominee Martin Luther Wardlaw, who was seeking ways that he might use his talents to help the area recover from the unimaginable tragedy when he was inspired by the resilience, unity, and unbreakable spirit of the community. Wardlaw wrote the song in the weeks after the hurricane and began bringing talented singers and dancers together as they recorded the “Toombs Strong” song and music video. “In September of last year, our Toombs County community was shaken as Hurricane Helen tore through families, towns, and cities – leaving behind devastation, heartache, and uncertainty. In the midst of the storm’s aftermath, a light emerged,” Wardlaw explained. “Through stirring voices and a moving visual montage of the storm’s destruction and our community’s recovery, Toombs Strong stands as a testament to the strength of our people – proof that even in the darkest nights, our light still shines. We are Toombs Strong.”

The song features performances by Eric Love, Brian Love, Jamie Wilkes, Asia Johnson, Carmen Johnson, Carmela Williams, Gabriela Rodriguez, Brad Silver, Tessa Jones, Bethany Underwood, John Morgan, Cynthia Greene, Ginger Russell, Justin Russell, Glendon Russell, Ana Delgado Brown, Sean Sasser, John Graham, John Smith, Noel Smith, and others. For the music video, several of the Love 2 Dance studio’s dancers perform along with the song, as the video strives to capture the ways that all people came together – regardless of age, gender, or background – to help one another in the time of need.

The cities of Vidalia and Lyons greatly supported the idea, and joined the effort to create a reminder of the strength within the community. Wardlaw and the city officials agreed that proceeds from the song would go to the Toombs Strong organization, which serves to help those in need connect with resources throughout rebuilding efforts.

Community members are encouraged to download the song, which can be found on YouTube and Apple Music.

For more information on Toombs Strong, to donate to the organization, or to request help with hurricane cleanup, visit the Toombs Strong website at toombsstrong.com.