Devastating. Heartrending. Catastrophic. Unimaginable. Life as some people have known it is destroyed and, in some cases, life is gone forever. Yet disasters happen. People lose homes, livelihoods, neighborhoods, security, family mementos. That is when friends, neighbors and, yes, even complete strangers pack up what they can and head to the disaster area. And that is exactly what so many people and organizations in Union County did. Citizens collected what was needed, gave what they could and transported supplies to where they were most needed.
The Groce and Tindell families worked disaster assistance with the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain in northeast Tennessee’s Carter County. They distributed hundreds of food boxes, clothing and necessities to those in need. Over 250 hot meals were served. And with the cold weather now headed this way, the Union County American Legion Post 212 donated significant funds that allowed the volunteers to purchase many heaters and Home Depot gift cards so that people could get necessary immediate supplies for their home
But what really impressed me and warmed my heart about this effort is that, as supplies came into the First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain, the Groce and Tindell children sorted and organized them. The kids packed boxes for the victims of the storm and loaded them in their vehicle. These two families will soon be returning, this time to Spruce Pine, North Carolina, to finish distribution.
Thank you Groce and Tindell families, First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain, Union County American Legion Post 212 and everyone else who has pitched in however they could during this most difficult month.
The work goes on. There is still much more help needed. And there will be for a very long time.