CORRYTON, Tenn. — Following catastrophic floods across East Tennessee, thousands of residents have lost everything they own. In response, communities throughout the region are banding together to support those affected, embodying the Volunteer State's tradition of helping neighbors in need.
"We just don't understand," said Adam Thompson, a local volunteer. "It's hard for us to comprehend what they're going through and how cut off it feels to see everything you've worked for your entire life gone."
Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton has been working around the clock to send donated supplies to flood victims, including two tractor-trailer loads, several flatbeds, and 46,000 bottles of water. More donations are waiting to be delivered, it said.
"It's what we've done for generations," said Thompson. "It's the heart of this area. If there's somebody in need — whether it's our community or our neighbors next door — that's what we come out for."
Along with each donated item, the church included a personalized note to remind people that they are not alone.
"With every box of diapers, with every pack of water, with every hygiene kit, we've attached personal encouragement notes," said Justin Pratt, a pastor of the church. "We want people to know there's a county praying for them, a community praying for them, and a church praying for them."
The volunteers see this as an opportunity to live out their faith by helping others in need.
"Every so often in these catastrophic moments, God gives us an opportunity to actually become doers of the word and not just hearers," said Pratt. "I could not be more proud of and thankful for our church family."
Anyone interested in donating to help those in need can learn more online.