Bristol: A Community Unites for Hurricane Relief
In the heart of Bristol, Tennessee, the spirit of community service is shining brighter than ever. Just a week after opening its doors, the South Building at Bristol Motor Speedway has become a bustling hub for hurricane relief efforts, filled to the brim with donations from generous locals and visitors alike. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers, the space remains organized and efficient, allowing the much-needed supplies to reach those affected by the recent hurricane.
Volunteers Step Up in Large Numbers
All week long, volunteers from all walks of life have come together to lend a hand. Individuals and groups from both near and far have rolled up their sleeves, digging in to help sort and pack donations. On a recent Sunday, dozens of helpful hands were spotted wrapping palettes and collecting supplies in shopping carts, all in an effort to assist those in need.
One of the many faces you might see busy at work is Justin Ward, a student at Virginia Tech. He and his club members made a pit stop in Bristol after a trip to Gatlinburg, looking for meaningful ways to give back during their travels. “When we are doing our weekend, we try to do a community service project or two,” explained Justin, who shared that their journey began in Damascus, Virginia. “We were just kind of calling around and we actually got led here through the park system.”
A Personal Impact
Justin’s experience in Damascus truly opened his eyes to the extent of the hurricane’s impact. “You see a lot of stuff on TV in the news,” he noted. “But until you’re in person, helping the people that actually may no longer have homes, it really hits home. When you really look at them, and they’re there and we’re shopping for them and helping them. It’s surreal, and it’s definitely pretty raw.”
Family Efforts
Not all volunteers come alone. Some choose to make it a family affair, like Kevin Kelly and his wife Shelly, who made the trip from Maryville with their daughters, Mattie and Olivia, who study at ETSU. They seized the opportunity to volunteer during ETSU’s fall break. “My wife had the idea to come up and volunteer for a few days just to work and help out,” Kevin shared, expressing his family’s desire to contribute positively despite not witnessing the damage first-hand.
A Collective Gratitude
Both Kevin and Justin expressed their heartfelt admiration for the efforts of other volunteers. “All the volunteers and just everyone jumping in and working and moving boxes,” Kevin remarked. “It’s really incredible.” Justin added, “It’s really nice with everything that’s been going on in the world to see like neighbors and friends, no matter what their beliefs are, come together and help each other out. That’s the best part. Everyone helping each other and having a good time.”
Join the Cause
The distribution center continues to welcome volunteers, no matter your background or experience. If you feel inspired to help, the doors are open, and there’s plenty of work to do!
In a time where many are facing hardships, communities like Bristol showcase the best of humanity, as individuals come together to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves or offering support from afar, it’s clear: in the face of adversity, we can always rise together.
