Generous Outreach: Virginia Church Rallies to Support Storm-Ravaged Community

In the aftermath of a devastating storm, a community in Tazewell, Virginia, found itself facing the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering. However, a heartwarming story of generosity and compassion emerged, as a former resident, Lewis Shrader, mobilized his church in Portsmouth, Virginia, to provide much-needed aid to his former home.

Restoring Hope, One Donation at a Time

Answering the Call for Help

When the storm's wind and rain left many in the Tazewell area without power and facing the loss of refrigerated or frozen food, Lewis Shrader, a former resident, sprang into action. Reaching out to the local police chief, Shrader inquired about the community's needs. Upon learning of the widespread impact, he immediately turned to his church, West Park Church of Christ, to rally support.Shrader's call to action was met with an overwhelming response from his congregation. The church quickly gathered a trailer full of shelf-stable food, diapers, pet food, and an impressive 125 cases of bottled water, all destined for the people of Tazewell County.

Partnering with Local Authorities

The Tazewell Police Department played a crucial role in facilitating the distribution of the donated goods. They provided support and a suitable location, a former bank that was soon to become the new home of the police department. This collaborative effort ensured that the much-needed supplies could reach the community efficiently.Chief Stanley Lampert of the Tazewell Police Department expressed his gratitude for the support from the other side of the state, calling it "amazing." He emphasized the importance of the community coming together to address the needs of those affected by the storm, stating, "No matter what your need is, if you have a need, we have it here."

Paying It Forward, Honoring the Past

For Lewis Shrader, this act of generosity was more than just a chance to help those in need; it was a way to pay back the kindness he had experienced during his time as a resident of Tazewell. Shrader spoke fondly of his roots in the area, acknowledging that sometimes these communities can "fall through the cracks" and not receive the recognition they deserve.Shrader's deep connection to the Tazewell community fueled his desire to support his former home. He recognized that the storm had impacted everyone, and he wanted to ensure that the people of Tazewell knew they were not forgotten. Shrader's church family, whom he described as "some of the finest people on earth," responded to his call to action "at a moment's notice," further demonstrating the power of community and the willingness to lend a helping hand.

Ongoing Support and Continued Generosity

The partnership between the Tazewell Police Department and the West Park Church of Christ did not end with the initial donation. Chief Lampert announced that there would be another food giveaway at the distribution site later that week. Additionally, a local resident had generously donated free hot dog meals to the community, which would be distributed on Monday at the former bank location.This ongoing support and continued generosity from both the local and distant communities highlight the resilience and compassion that can emerge in the face of adversity. The people of Tazewell, Virginia, have found solace and strength in the kindness of others, a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of a single act of kindness.