By CASSANDRA MICKENS/Associate Editor

CHELSEA — Chelsea Middle School teacher Andrea McMullin Childress said the acts of kindness on display since Tuesday’s winter storm are a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

“Chelsea is an awesome community with so many people willing to help,” Childress said. “I’ve been truly touched by the generosity of spirit of so many people helping complete strangers.”

Childress was stranded on Shelby County 47 Tuesday and found shelter at nearby Liberty Baptist Church, where several stranded motorists spent the night. The church is also where Childress met a couple of good samaritans.

“While stranded at the church, I met two gentlemen, Neil and Charles, who agreed to attempt the drive to Hoover this morning [Wednesday],” Childress said. “We left the church around 8 a.m. and made it to Double Oak Mountain, down Highway 280 to Highway 119 and ultimately to Highway 31.

Childress, who resides in Hoover, made it home at about 10 a.m. Wednesday.

According to the City of Chelsea Fire & Rescue Facebook page, students who spent the night at Chelsea’s four schools have been reunited with their families.

“All roads are open to at least one lane to our knowledge,” the Facebook post reads. “There are still several abandoned vehicles creating some problems. The roads are still dangerous. While some may be in better shape, we recommend you avoid any non-urgent travel.”

Chelsea emergency responders spent Tuesday and Wednesday helping stranded motorists. Anyone who is stranded is advised to call Chelsea Fire & Rescue at (601) 678-6060.

“Special thanks to all of our staff, [Tuesday and Wednesday], that have really stepped up to serve,” the Facebook post reads. “Our best asset is our people and we are blessed with good people.

“The churches that opened to care for those needing shelter and especially the staff at our schools for taking care of our kids and others really set the bar high as an example of how to give back and serve.”