Generosity from community shines as McAlester recovers from Saturday's storms
On the morning of June 7, McAlester residents woke up to see buildings with their roofs ripped away and tree branches scattered in the road.
The community of around 18,000 was only under a marginal risk of severe weather, but it 'experienced a mix of both wind and tornado damage,' according to the National Weather Service in Tulsa.
With any catastrophe in Pittsburg County, however, compassion rises.
Anyone part of the 'What's going on in Pittsburg County' Facebook group has seen the familiar postings of Starla's Sloppy Hog appearances in McAlester. The food truck makes a weekly 50-mile trip to serve barbecue in the Dollar General parking lot.
When co-owners Chris and Starla Workman found out about the disaster, they said they immediately knew they wanted to help those in need in a place that has given them and the business unwavering support.
'For me and Starla, it's all about giving back to the community that's provided so much to us,' Chris Workman said. 'We get as much enjoyment out of this as we do winning any trophy doing barbecue competitions or anything like that.'
Brad Bevans, owner of All About U Plumbing in McAlester, also said he wanted to do his part in helping the community in which he was born and raised. His company is still offering free emergency plumbing services to storm victims and has already helped 25 people.
'If I can help somebody and it makes a difference in their life, that's what I was sent here for,' Bevans said.
McAlester resident SkyAnn Golden summarized the heart of the community best, saying disaster brings out true generosity in people who always want to help those in need through trying times.
Golden and her husband Charlie are co-owners of Golden Drywall and Remodeling and have worked tirelessly since the sound of the tornado sirens faded Saturday. The couple has removed tree limbs and debris from the roofs of McAlester residents unable to do the work themselves.
'I know that a lot of times we see the bad news and the bad things that are going on, but there's a lot of good people in this community,' SkyAnn Golden said. 'I'm grateful and I'm thankful that we're in a community that can come together and can help people when they're in need.'
For those who sustained storm damage and need assistance, All About U Plumbing can be reached at 918-318-0042 and Kingdom Builder Ministries, partner of Golden Drywall and Remodeling, can be reached at 918-916-7684.
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