3 days ago
Local volunteers to feed flood survivors in Texas
Aug. 9—A Priceville-based volunteer organization, North Alabama Boys, will travel to Texas on Sept. 7 to feed flooding victims and volunteers.
Rand Hutchison, North Alabama Boys' leader, said the group wants to provide three meals a day through Sept. 14 while there.
"Our first thought has always been the food, to cook for people and cook for them well," Hutchison said. "We've found it's our little niche to show up a little later than everybody else. There's obviously a big need when a disaster first happens. There are other groups that go in and they meet that need, which is fantastic, but as always, the support starts to kind of dwindle a bit as time goes on."
The group will travel to central Texas, where catastrophic flooding killed at least 130 people and damaged the houses and property of countless others over the Fourth of July weekend. Although the volunteers have contacts in Kerr County, where some of the most severe flooding occurred, they're open to traveling elsewhere as they're needed.
Similar to its efforts in North Carolina last year, the organization wants to provide "good Alabama barbecue and good Alabama cooking" to the people in need, Hutchison said. Meals will include breakfast burritos and ribeye sandwiches or hamburgers.
A mix of old and new faces totaling 12 volunteers will travel to Texas. At this time, contacts in Texas tell the group they'll know other specific needs closer to September.
"We're going to go with a goal of being very adaptable," Hutchison said. "If we get there and we see a need, we're going to meet the need."
The nonprofit is still reaching out to local organizations and businesses to gather supplies. Burningtree Country Club will provide some of the food items, according to Hutchison.
North Alabama Boys has a fundraising goal of $15,000 to cover the cost of the relief effort. Hutchison said the group has raised around $10,000 so far. With these funds, volunteers should be able to feed between 300 and 400 people each day.
Anybody wanting to get involved or make a donation can either visit the organization's Facebook page, NA Boys, or its website,
Another local volunteer group, Project Unify, has also helped in Texas since the flooding.
"We are currently still in and out of the work in Texas," its website reads. "The flooding that devastated communities has left behind lots of work. It is our goal to represent the body of Christ in service, as well as in teaching. ... We request your prayers, involvement, and if possible your support as we continue forward with these efforts. To God be the glory!"
The nonprofit's website, includes a PayPal QR code and donation link.
— or 256-340-2437
