“I am a truck driver for Standard Furniture and we are going to help the burn victims in Gatlinburg. We are supposed to help others as Christians. Last week the pastor told me about wanting to fill up a U-haul truck with supplies for the fire victims. He asked me if there was any chance Standard Furniture would consider donating a truck. I told him, ‘You know pastor, if you don’t ask, you don’t receive.’ Back the story up. Standard Furniture had a safety meeting breakfast a month ago. I didn’t know anyone so I was eating by myself. A man walked in with a Standard Furniture shirt, I offered him a seat at my table. Turns out, his name is Dan too and he is the COO of the company in charge of logistics and keeping the trucks moving. We talked the whole breakfast. So when the pastor asked me about the truck, I knew the man. These things don’t just happen, they are meant to be. He said our company is charitable and we like the idea and want to help. They not only let me use my truck, they gave me the brand new show trailer, the best the company has. I had offered to donate my time to do this, but the company is paying me to do it and they are glad to be a part of it. My wife and I believe that if you don’t put your feet to your faith, you can’t get much to happen. I have been involved in small things at church, but never something like this. We are supposed to give when we have the ability, one day I may need it and I hope people are there for me. You can’t out give God. I am giving of what my ability is. I am proud that my company trusts me with this and it has changed my attitude a little bit because I am not just a driver to them. How can a little church like this fill up the truck? But it has grown beyond the church to fire departments and stores because helping people is the right thing to do. I once helped a pastor and his family from Honduras who were on the run and seeking asylum because the drug lords were trying to kill them. They needed to get from Foley to Chicago for a court case. I drove them to Chicago and helped them through the process because they couldn’t speak English. They got their asylum and are free to live here now. You give and it will be returned. It is all over in the scripture. I am not looking for something, but one day I may need it. Do what you can, when you can. It seems like life goes up and down from the mountain to the valley and in the valley, it is hard to give. I have been in both and am thankful that now I am in the place to give. We are going to fill this thing and make the delivery on Saturday.”
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If you are in the area and want to give, you can drop off supplies anytime during the day at South River Park Church of God at 10993 County Road 32 in Fairhope (close to Fish River). People should be at the truck during the day and you can leave items on the tailgate or on the ground. They need pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, food that can be cooked on a hot pad or in a microwave or motel room and supplies for cleaning up yards. They don’t need water.