MONTVALE, Va. (WDBJ) – When hurricanes swept through North Carolina, many families woke up to find everything they’d worked for gone.
That’s when members of Walnut Grove Church in Bedford County knew they had to step in.
“We first went to Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and took a camper to a family that had lost their home.” said Randy Craig, Walnut Grove Church Deacon.
Craig has been leading the charge, organizing relief trips to towns like Barnardsville, North Carolina. The effort began with one act of kindness that quickly grew into something much bigger. From providing a camper for a displaced family to working with Barnardsville Baptist Church, the team has delivered not just meals, and supplies, but hope.
“You can see the pictures on TV, but it’s nothing compared to when you are there and can see it in person,” said Randy.
Just last weekend, they served over 900 meals to those in need. But the work isn’t done, and neither is the need.
“I would just encourage people-don’t forget. It’s winter, and it’s much colder there than it is here. Many people are living in tents, many are living in homes without heat, so let’s not forget them,” said Robert Auxier, Pastor, Walnut Grove Church.
This weekend, Randy and his team are heading back to North Carolina with essential supplies. They’re asking the community to help by donating items like paper plates, generators, and even basic tools.
Community Needs:
- Generators
- Kerosene Heaters
- Buddy Heaters
- 2 compound miter saws
- Chain saws
- SkiL saws
- Small propane bottles
- Heavy duty trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Paper plates
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
For members of the church, the mission is about more than just donations; it’s about compassion.
“To think they went to bed one night with the things that they worked hard for their whole lives, woke up the next morning in the wee hours of the morning and had nothing. How would we as a community react? ” said Jared Tucker, member of Walnut Grove Church. “What we decided to do as a church is try to give back to those folks in some type of way.”
Walnut Grove couldn’t do this without the help of JC&E Fencing, which is working to collect supplies to donate. Other groups involved include: Barnardsville Baptist Church, Hope for Crisis, Helping Hands for Christ.
To donate, visit the church’s website. Monetary donations can be sent to Walnut Grove Church, PO BOX 299, Montvale VA 24122.
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