Even in the cool November air, sweat beaded on Rev. Pat Burnett's forehead as he wrestled with the mountain of goods threatening to pour from the filled truck.

Just as quick as Burnett hoisted an item, several pairs of hands were reaching to take the load from the pastor and pass it along.

And so it went, down the line as bicycles, chairs, tables and other household items most take for granted were unloaded.

This sense of teamwork and unity has shown through the sorrow and grief like a beacon from a lighthouse as the community and volunteers have rallied together to help five families whose Lick Creek (County Road 15) homes were virtually destroyed by flash flooding last week.

"I can't say thanks loud enough to, not only this church, but other churches in the community and businesses and others that indicated that they are willing to help out in the short-term but also be helpful in the future," said Burnett, the Lick Creek Independent Baptist Church pastor who has been working nearly around the clock to help the families who are staying in the church's fellowship hall.

Patricia and Tim Sagraves used to call 900 County Road 15 home, but now the couple and their three children are left struggling with the uncertain future.

"You just have to deal with it from day to day. We are trying to give the kids attention and lots of hugs," Patricia said with the exhaustion showing on her tired face. "We try to tell them that it is going to be all right. They may not believe us because they are not seeing it right now. It has to get better because it can't get any worse."

It started to get better Tuesday as Lutheran Social Services in Columbus, through the Lawrence County Disaster Long-term Recovery Committee, brought the truck full of home furnishings.

"These people really need this," said committee president Mike Corn. "They lost everything."

For the first time in days, a small fraction of joy could be seen in the eyes of some of the victims as they embraced the community that has embraced them.

"We barely got out at all. In just a few minutes, your whole life is gone," said Kathy Roman of 862 County Road 15. "We are so happy and thankful for all the people helping us. If it wasn't for the pastor, I don't know what we would do."

Lawrence County Emergency Services Director Don Mootz hopes that more assistance will come soon but it will depend on the agency finding everyone who was severely affected by flooding.

To be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency or Ohio EMA funds, a county must have 25 homes with more than 40 percent structural damage. So far, more than 50 families have been affected in the county but only 13 meet the 40 percent mark, Mootz said.

Anyone who would like to report damage should contact the local EMA office at 533-4375. Anyone who would like to donate money, items or volunteer can contact the recovery committee at Lawrence County Disaster Long term recover Committee, 305 N. Fifth St., Ironton, OH 45638, Attn. Marilyn Howard.

In the meantime, the victims and those working to help them said they will continue pray with the belief that things will get better.

"I have been here 41 years and have never seen anything like this," said Lick Creek resident Berkley Carrico who continues to donate his time to help his neighbors. "… God brought this community together. It was only by the grace of God that there wasn't any lives lost."