Recovery from Hurricane Helene in Valdosta, GA

GEORGIA – As Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast, the devastation was unthinkable. The city of Valdosta, Georgia was one of many places hit by the wrath of the storm. The town faced catastrophic destruction as a result.

Amidst the wreckage, a senior citizen named Melanie experienced first hand how much you care! Your support made it possible for our disaster relief team to be on the ground, showing Melanie the love of Christ.

Melanie’s Experience: Counting Blessings Amidst Destruction

“When Hurricane Helene came through Valdosta, I sought shelter at my friend’s house,” Melanie recounts. “She said I’d be safer there.” The winds howled, and power lines snapped as the storm raged, but Melanie felt a sense of relief when she returned home. Despite the chaos, her house stood intact—a miracle in itself.

“I count about seven or eight trees down in my yard,” she continued. “It was pretty bad. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, but I reminded myself to count my blessings.”

“I don’t have insurance on my home because it’s too old,” Melanie said. She wondered how she would manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The Power of Disaster Relief Recovery

Thanks to your generous support of Operation Blessing, the disaster relief team arrived quickly to help Hurricane Helene victims like Melanie clear her yard of hazardous debris. “I didn’t expect anyone to get here so quickly,” she said. “They’ve nearly got it all done in just one day!”

Melanie was deeply grateful for the assistance. “I’m an Operation Blessing fan! Y’all are the real thing.”

Hurricane Helene disaster relief volunteers

A Testament to Hope and Help

Melanie was so grateful for this godsend that you made possible. “I tell you, the Lord is watching over me. I’ve learned to let go and trust Him.” Her heartfelt appreciation extends to the donors who make this life-changing work possible.

“Operation Blessing really does help people,” she said. “I am living proof.” She also added, “If I could speak to the donors, I would tell them how much their support means. They are the hands and feet of Jesus.”

“If I could speak to the donors, I would tell them how much their support means. They are the hands and feet of Jesus.”
-Melanie, Hurricane Helene Survivor

Join Us in Supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery

The path to recovery from Hurricane Helene will be long, but with your help, Operation Blessing will continue to provide essential disaster relief recovery to those in need. Your support ensures that more survivors like Melanie receive the assistance they deserve.

To find out how you can make a difference, partner with Operation Blessing today. Together, we can transform lives and restore hope in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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Helping a Caring Mother Feed Her Family

VIRGINIA – Tiffany has long been a child protective services investigator for a city in Virginia. She’s also a caring mother of a 15-year-old son, and it’s clear that children are very important to her. That’s even more the case now, with a new baby on the way.

But rising food prices—and a whopping increase in her monthly rent—have forced her to look for new ways to make her salary go further. This concern has become even more critical as she prepares to live on a reduced income while she goes on maternity leave.

“I started my own garden this year … because food is so expensive,” Tiffany told us. And she said getting groceries from food pantries will be a lifeline for the near future. “Knowing where these pantries are is going to be very beneficial.”

It’s important to Tiffany that her family eats nutritious foods, even as she acknowledges the challenge posed by the cost. “Fruits and vegetables—and just healthy stuff— are expensive.” She knows how that can add up, especially for families who have lots of children. “I can’t imagine feeding six kids and having to prepare a meal for six people.”

And that’s where faithful partners like you come in, cheerfully giving so a caring mother like Tiffany can get the help they need.

Operation Blessing Partners with Many Food Pantries

To make this generosity a reality, Operation Blessing partners with many food pantries around the country, including Faith World Ministries. The director, Courtnay, does everything she can to make sure members of her community—many of whom are seniors on limited incomes—never go to bed hungry. “I’ve always been just that one to give more than enough,” she said.

The food provided by Operation Blessing makes a huge impact for this group of people. “They always express how they are very grateful,” Courtnay told us. “People have picked up food and didn’t expect to receive as much as we gave. … Some families express how the food that we gave was the only food they had.” She has only the highest praise for Operation Blessing and the amazing donors who make it all come together.

For a caring mother like Tiffany enjoy the bounty of the food ministry and your kindness in making it possible. The food she receives will help keep nourishing meals on the table and make ends meet “so that me and my kid can have the fresh fruits and vegetables and canned goods that we need.” She’s thankful that it will also let her take the money she’d spend on food to pay other bills.

Most of all, the nutritious food she’s receiving today will keep Tiffany healthy during her final months before the baby arrives. “Eating healthy is very important, especially since I’m having to check my blood sugar right now with the pregnancy,” she said gratefully, “just to make sure that everything’s okay in my final trimester.”

She added, “I know it’s a blessing to so many people.”

Hurricane Helene Floodwaters Damage Asheville Arts District

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NORTH CAROLINA – After Hurricane Helene floodwaters ripped through the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, the damage was immense. The tremendous power of the flooding destroyed 26 galleries where some 300 artists displayed their work. One of those galleries was Mark Oliver’s Foundation Woodworks.

Local artist Mark told us, “My wife and I were building something. And our kids played right here. Our friend’s kids played and watched the trains.”

He continued, “We came every day here to make things, to make beautiful things. But more importantly, we connected with people.”

Artisans Out of Work in Asheville

Twenty craftsmen created and sold their pieces here. Now, those artisans are out of work. Operation blessing is helping those woodworkers get back on the job by setting up a temporary space where they can make and sell their goods, while their permanent studio and gallery are rebuilt.

Operation Blessing’s COO, Drew Friedrich said, “It really will give us a chance to help and for them to earn an income, help those families get back to some sense of normalcy. And so that’s really what we’re aiming to do.”

“It really will give us a chance to help and for them to earn an income, help those families get back to some sense of normalcy. And so that’s really what we’re aiming to do.”
-Drew Friedrich, COO of Operation Blessing

Blessings After Helene

The 8000 square foot workspace is large enough for the 20 workers to soon resume their profession. Meanwhile, Operation Blessing workers continue to search through the rubble up and down the district for items that can be salvaged. They also carefully clean pieces they find, like delicate jewelry, hand-carved tables, and paintings caked with mud.

Local artist Stuart said, “The rescue efforts that have been going on here are phenomenal. And I mean, it’s very heartwarming, how much people care, all the love and blessings that has been offered to us.”

Workers and volunteers consider it a labor of love, all in the name of Jesus. Help like this has only been possible because of the generous support of friends like you after Hurricane Helene Floodwaters tore through the area.

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The Cost of Water

THAILAND – At the age of 52, Prakaiwan thought she had survived the worst life could throw at her—breast cancer. But the journey since her surgery four years ago has been just as challenging. Beyond the painful rigors of battling illness, she also discovered another harsh reality—the cost of water. Thankfully, you were there when she needed you most to help her through this new challenge!

Prakaiwan did what she could to support her son. She farmed rice and relied on rainwater to meet their daily needs, but she didn’t feel it was safe to drink. She had to purchase bottled water—often three or four buckets each week. With expenses piling up, sometimes she couldn’t afford the cost of water. “Mothers have no income. There is no work to do. There is no way to buy food to eat,” she said. They certainly couldn’t afford the pricey water.

Can you imagine how it must have felt to know clean water was nearby and available, but not be able to buy it?

Regular Access to Clean Water

Her situation seemed impossible to overcome, being that the cost of water was beyond her means. But you made a way. Thanks to your generous support, Operation Blessing was able to partner with a church near Prakaiwan to supply clean water to her entire village. Once a well and water filtration system were in place, Prakaiwan could access as much clean water as she needed—without the financial burden.

“It was delicious,” Prakaiwan said when she tasted the water. Now, she can save her money for continued healthcare and other expenses for her family. “Thank you very much.”

You are providing clean water to many remote communities like Prakaiwan’s throughout Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Your love is saving these families valuable time and money that can be spent focusing on other needs. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Feeding Hurricane Victims: Bringing Comfort After the Storm

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NORTH CAROLINA – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the community of Asheville is experiencing unprecedented challenges. Homes have been destroyed, families are struggling, but thanks to your incredible support, Operation Blessing is stepping up to feed hurricane victims in Asheville and beyond.

Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team is on the ground, providing much-needed hot meals to the survivors of Hurricane Helene. This effort, made possible by your generosity, is feeding hurricane victims who have lost almost everything in the wake of this disaster. Julian, a hurricane survivor, shared, “The nourishment, the warm meal, makes you just praise God you’re alive.”

Every hot meal served offers a moment of hope and connection for those affected. Kent, another survivor, expressed the emotional support that comes from this care, “When those of us who never thought we would rely on food services such as Operation Blessing come here to eat, it gives us a sense of community.”

feeding hurricane victims in North Carolina

A Hot Meal Brings Hope to Asheville

At the Home Depot on Fairview Avenue in Asheville, food and clean drinking water are the greatest needs right now. One survivor expressed gratitude, saying, “I can definitely taste the amount of compassion somebody put into preparing this meal. That kind of hope is what this community needs right now.”

The work in Asheville doesn’t stop with feeding hurricane victims. Every meal carries with it not just nourishment, but also emotional healing. Sometimes the smell and warmth of a fresh meal brings back memories of better times, a reminder that comfort can still be found even in the toughest moments.

Helping Helene Victims in North Carolina and Hurricane Milton Victims In Florida

In North Carolina, Operation Blessing continues feeding hurricane victims, ensuring families are provided with meals during their most trying times. Volunteers are also distributing food and clean up supplies, and offering debris removal for families trying to rebuild their lives after the storm. But the devastation from recent storms doesn’t stop at state lines.

Operation Blessing’s efforts are also reaching communities in Florida that were ravaged by Hurricane Milton. Sarasota, Florida has seen massive damage, and your generosity is helping people there as well through food, supplies, and volunteer efforts.

Helping People in North Carolina and Florida: How You Can Make a Difference

Your continued support is critical to helping people in North Carolina and Florida recover from these devastating hurricanes.

With your generosity, Operation Blessing will keep providing relief where it’s needed most. Visit Operation Blessing to make a donation and help ensure families in Asheville, Sarasota, and other affected areas have access to the support they need.

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Your Cheerful Giving Turned Their Lives Around

HONDURAS – We’d like to tell you a story of how loaves of bread, the love of family, and your cheerful giving changed a Honduran family’s lives.

Ten years ago, Brenda gave birth to a beautiful baby boy she named Marvin. As precious as this moment was, it quickly took a negative turn. Marvin was born with clubfoot, a condition that causes the foot to turn inward and, if left untreated, can have lasting effects on a child’s ability to walk.

As though this wasn’t already enough for Brenda to process, shortly after Marvin’s birth his father abandoned the family, leaving Brenda to navigate the difficult path of single parenthood. Eventually, Brenda remarried and continued to grow her family, welcoming a baby girl. While Brenda had found happiness, she still desperately wanted to find healing for her son. Her husband, Juan, works hard at a local hardware store, but his income wasn’t enough to cover household expenses and help Marvin.

The financial strain was immense, so Brenda decided to turn her passion for baking into a business. She used the few utensils she had at home and began making bread. Her new business provided some income but was limited, as she could only produce 10 bags of bread daily.

With their finances strained, the couple resorted to buying less food so that they could save money. Still actively seeking answers for their son, Brenda and Marvin traveled to the capital, Tegucigalpa, which depleted their savings and left barely enough money to provide food for their children.

To add insult to injury, the trip confirmed what the couple already knew—the surgery young Marvin needed was out of reach because the cost was too high. That is where your cheerful giving would make a difference.

Thankfully, Operation Blessing heard of their struggles and stepped in to bring hope and healing to this family. Due to the generosity of friends like YOU, Marvin’s life took a dramatic turn. His surgery and medical care were fully funded, giving him the chance to walk and run like any other child.

But your support didn’t end there. Recognizing Brenda’s entrepreneurial spirit and her potential to uplift her family, Operation Blessing provided her with the equipment and financial training needed to expand her baking business. This was only possible because of your compassionate support.

With these newfound resources and knowledge, Brenda’s baking business flourished. She reported that her sales increased to eight times what they had been before. The transformation in Brenda’s family has been profound. They no longer worry about where their next meal will come from, and Marvin’s bright smile and active lifestyle stand as a testament to the life-changing impact of your loving support.

Brenda’s gratitude knows no bounds. “We thank the donors of Operation Blessing for blessing us,” she said with a heart full of emotion. “Thank you for getting us out of the hole we were in. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. May God continue to bless you.”

Thank You for Your Cheerful Giving

Brenda’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, hope and resilience coupled with the kindness of strangers can pave the way for a brighter future. Her journey from despair to hope is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for all who hear it.

Homeless after Helene: Heartbreak in North Carolina

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NORTH CAROLINA – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on North Carolina, a heartbreaking scene unfolds along the Swannanoa River. Families who once called this area home now find themselves living in tents. Sadly, their houses have been swept away by the storm’s fury. This is the stark reality for many homeless Hurricane Helene survivors.

Homeless in North Carolina After Hurricane Helene: A Community in Crisis

As the Operation Blessing disaster relief team arrived on the scene, we were met with a sobering sight. Haley Henson, a disaster team member, described the situation. “There are tents that I’m surrounded by, and all of the people staying right here lived on the Swannanoa River. Their homes were washed away in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”

The immediate needs of these homeless Hurricane Helene survivors were basic but crucial. While food and water had been secured, the uncertainty of their situation loomed large. How long would they need to call these tents home? The answer remains unclear, but your dedication to the hurricane survivors, is making a difference.

Your Generosity in Action: Bringing Light to the Darkness

You, our incredible partners, have made it possible for us to respond swiftly and effectively to this crisis. Your donations have allowed us to provide essential items that bring comfort and hope to those affected by this disaster.

One of the first requests from the community was for light. Thanks to your support, we were able to distribute solar lamps, ensuring that these families wouldn’t have to face the night in total darkness.

But your impact doesn’t stop there. You’ve made it possible for us to plan the delivery of generators, addressing another urgent need expressed by the community. Your generosity is quite literally powering hope in this time of crisis.

Rebuilding Lives: The Road Ahead for Homeless Hurricane Helene Survivors

The journey to recovery for these homeless North Carolina residents after Hurricane Helene will be long and challenging. Our work trailer, stocked with rakes and chainsaws, offers the means to clear debris and clear the area the homeless are using for their tents. “Operation Blessing wants to come in and restore faith and hope to those that are hurting in the aftermath of this storm,” Henson emphasized. Of course, this mission is only possible because of YOU, our dedicated partners.

“Operation Blessing wants to come in and restore faith and hope to those that are hurting in the aftermath of this storm.”
-Hayley Henson of Operation Blessing

A Call to Action: You Can Make a Difference

As we continue our efforts to support the homeless after Helene in North Carolina and look for ways to improve their temporary housing situation, your ongoing support remains crucial. You are the reason these families can see a glimmer of hope in these dark hours.

You made this immediate response possible, and you can continue to make a difference.

The road to recovery for these homeless Hurricane Helene survivors will be long, but with your help, we can ensure they don’t walk it alone. Your generosity today can bring light, hope, and tangible support to those who need it most in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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Hurricane Helene Recovery

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GEORGIA – Category 4 Hurricane Helene left a devastating mark on communities across the Southeast, particularly in Georgia. With catastrophic winds uprooting trees and sending them crashing into homes, the aftermath was overwhelming for many residents. Survivor Joshua described the emotional toll, saying, “Hurricane Helene did a number on our house. There’s a certain amount of emotional turmoil that something like this takes on you.”

Your Role in Hurricane Helene Recovery

Thanks to the incredible generosity of partners like you, Operation Blessing sprang into action almost immediately after the storm. Your support made it possible for the disaster relief team to be on the ground, providing crucial aid to families as they began their recovery journey. Joshua recalled, “Operation Blessing responded almost immediately to my phone calls. I told them my needs and Operation Blessing came down.”

Essential Debris Removal Services

One of the most pressing needs following Hurricane Helene is extensive debris removal. Operation Blessing prioritized clearing fallen trees and hazardous materials, restoring safety to affected homes. Joshua noted, “They have come out and cleared the debris. They’re currently clearing the last of the trees off the top of my house.” This vital service was essential for families like his, allowing them to regain a sense of normalcy amid chaos.

The Generosity of Our Partners

The support provided to communities affected by Hurricane Helene is only possible because of partners like you. Your donations enable Operation Blessing to deliver life-changing services, from debris cleanup to emotional support for families grappling with loss. Joshua expressed his gratitude, saying, “Operation Blessing has truly changed the aftermath of this storm for me. Thank you for changing our life and allowing us to move forward in the recovery from this storm.”

How You Can Help Hurricane Helene Survivors

The path to recovery is long, but with your continued support, Operation Blessing can make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene. If you want to join the effort to support families in need, visit Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief page today. Together, we can help communities heal and rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Your contributions can turn hope into reality for those facing the aftermath of this disaster.

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praying with Josh Ellwood in Valdosta Georgia

Faith After Hurricane Helene

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NORTH CAROLINA – In the wake of devastating destruction in North Carolina, a powerful story of faith after Hurricane Helene emerges. Events across the state are becoming beacons of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, the light of faith burns bright.

Faith Events Unite Communities in North Carolina

In Hendersonville and beyond, faith events are springing up across North Carolina, offering solace and strength to those affected by Hurricane Helene. These gatherings are more than just religious services; they’re a testament to the unbreakable spirit of North Carolinians and their unwavering strength in the face of adversity.

Hendersonville High School: A Field of Faith

At Hendersonville High School’s football field, an open-air event welcomed people of all faiths and denominations. The message was clear: despite life’s storms, strength can be found in God.

Brookstone Church: Comfort in Community

Just north of Asheville, Brookstone Church in Weaverville held a special service at Mars Hill University. Pastor Jared Reece emphasized the tangible hope felt within these communities. “For those who don’t believe in Christ, they are seeing the hope of Christ right in front of them as their neighbors go out and are pouring into one another.”

Faith After Hurricane Helene: Stories of Survival and Grace

Aaron and Larissa Smith’s experienced some of the worst affects of the storm. They were airlifted from their neighborhood after a boulder crashed into their home. All they and their two children have left are their dog and a suitcase. “We were 15 feet away from being crushed,” Aaron recounted, his voice filled with gratitude for their survival. He also spoke of God’s faithfulness and the blessing he found at the Hendersonville event.

Your Generosity: The Cornerstone of Recovery

In times like these, the incredible generosity of partners like you becomes the cornerstone of recovery efforts. Your support is the reason why organizations like Operation Blessing can make a real difference on the ground.

Operation Blessing: Your Hands Extended

Thanks to your generous donations, Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief Team has been able to establish a base in Asheville, serving thousands of meals daily and distributing essential supplies. You also made it possible for teams to fly into remote neighborhoods, delivering clean water and offering hope to those in desperate need. Your support goes beyond material aid; it enables us to share the love of Christ in tangible ways.

The Path Forward: Faith After Hurricane Helene

Your continued support and prayers are crucial in this journey of recovery. Together, we can ensure that faith after Hurricane Helene doesn’t just survive, but thrives, becoming a testament to the indomitable spirit of North Carolina and the power of community united by God.

To support ongoing relief efforts and be a part of this inspiring story, visit Operation Blessing’s disaster relief page at ob.org/obdisaster. Your generosity today can make a world of difference for those rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Helene.

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Hope Through Hurricane Helene Relief

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UNITED STATES – When Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, no one anticipated the sheer devastation it would leave in its wake. Ripping through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, Helene proved to be the deadliest hurricane to strike the United States in over 20 years. Communities were cut off, roads washed away, and the lives of thousands were turned upside down. In the midst of this disaster, you—the generous partners of Operation Blessing—rose to the occasion, providing life-saving hurricane relief to those in desperate need. In spite of the destruction, you helped provide hope through Hurricane Helene relief.

Damage from the storm in Asheville, North Carolina

Helene Relief in North Carolina: The Storm Hits Home

As Hurricane Helene barreled northward, Asheville became one of the hardest-hit areas. Record-breaking flooding devastated the region, cutting off residents from essential services. “It hasn’t been this bad since 1916,” says Hayley Henson, a member of the Operation Blessing U.S. Disaster Relief team, who experienced the storm firsthand in her hometown. Washed-out roads and downed cell service left many stranded and unable to call for help. “Many people couldn’t leave. Low-income communities were hit hardest because they didn’t have the resources to evacuate,” Hayley said.

“Many people couldn’t leave—low-income communities were hit hardest because they didn’t have the resources to evacuate.”
-Hayley Henson – National Media Liaison

Hayley Henson National Media Liaison for Operation Blessing

But thanks to your unwavering support, help arrived swiftly. The Operation Blessing team, already positioned in Florida ahead of the storm, quickly mobilized and reached those in need.

You Made Hope through Hurricane Helene Relief Possible

With the magnitude of the disaster, our Operation Blessing disaster experts from across the globe were called in to assist with the relief efforts in Asheville and the surrounding area of North Carolina. Emergency meal kits, water, and other essential supplies were delivered to communities that hadn’t yet received help. Danny Castro, a member of the Operation Blessing International Disaster team summed up the direness of the situation. “There’s no gas, no electricity—they’re in great need.”

Bringing Hurricane Relief to Georgia: Your Impact in Valdosta

In Georgia, the impact of Hurricane Helene was also significant, with communities left grappling with downed trees, destroyed homes, and power outages. In Valdosta, local churches partnered with Operation Blessing to bring critical hurricane relief to affected residents. Pastor Caleb Clay, who worked closely with Operation Blessing, noted how the partnership allowed his church to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to their hurting community.

“We’ve never seen anything like this, not even after Hurricane Idalia last year,” Pastor Clay said. “But as soon as we needed them, Operation Blessing was there, organizing volunteers and providing resources to help us clean up debris, tarp roofs, and bring hope to our neighbors. None of this would have been possible without you, our generous donors.”

Your Generosity in Action: A Personal Thank You

In the face of such overwhelming devastation, it’s easy to feel helpless. But you, through your donations and support, have made an incredible difference. Residents who were isolated and afraid, like Melissa Benson, were overjoyed to see Operation Blessing arrive. “This is the first organization to come to this side of town,” she said. “We appreciate you being here to help us when we need it most.”

Another resident, Sadie Jones, echoed that gratitude: “You people are God’s blessing for two old ladies who can’t fend for themselves. What you’re doing is beyond imaginable, coming to our rescue like this. God bless you all.”

Continuing the Work of Hurricane Helene Relief

The road to recovery is long, but thanks to your selfless giving, Operation Blessing continues to be on the front lines of disaster relief. Whether it’s clearing debris, delivering meals, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on, the impact you’ve made through your generosity is life-changing for those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Georgia.

As Hayley, who witnessed the devastation firsthand, says, “There’s something about disasters that pulls people together. God helps us pool our resources to help those in need, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. And we couldn’t do it without you.”

Your love and compassion are the heart of our efforts. Because of you, hope is on the horizon for the countless families rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

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