JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES in Saponara, a town in Sicily, received a plaque as a result of their providing relief work after a flood hit the area.

On November 22, 2011, a devastating flood hit some of the towns and villages in the province of Messina. That evening, in Saponara, a landslide claimed three victims​—a child and two adults.

In the days following the disaster, Jehovah’s Witnesses organized and equipped teams of volunteers to clear mud and debris from the worst-hit areas.

The teams worked along with the authorities and offered assistance where it was most needed. They continued working even after the initial emergency ended. From 50 to 80 Witnesses took part, including some who had come from over 97 kilometers (60 mi) away.

Several residents of the region hit by the natural disaster expressed their gratitude to the Witnesses. The mayor was repeatedly heard saying, “You are truly an example!”

Five months later, Councilman Fabio Vinci, on behalf of the municipal administration, presented a plaque to the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.