When the uninvited and unwanted Hurricane Irene ripped her way through Eastern North Carolina, far too many residents were left with severe damage to their homes, vehicles and other personal belongings. Samaritan’s Purse and the NC Baptist Men were on the scene promptly to help, and volunteers from all across the United States flooded our area, almost as quickly as Irene had. Only they were here for a more positive reason.
These folks, who had left behind their family, community, and responsibilities, made their new responsibility our families and our community. They immediately began providing food and beverages for the hungry, removed trees, repaired roofs, cleaned yards, and, most importantly, they brought hope to all of us. At Chick-fil-A of New Bern, we knew we had a part to play as well. We purposely stepped out of our restaurant and, instead of making chicken, we spent time visiting the community.
Our friends and neighbors showed us first-hand the damage the storm had done to their homes and personal items. To as many homes as possible, we took a note of encouragement along with Chick-fil-A food coupons and plush cows for the kids. We were moved by the generosity of the volunteers that we met along the way, and we knew immediately we had to do something for them as well. It was our pleasure to provide each volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse and the NC Baptist Men a FREE Chick-fil-A Sandwich. We also donated as much Chick-fil-A food as possible to the community and listened to story after story as people poured into our restaurant; we became a refuge for those with no power and no food.
Weeks later, there are still people in our community without a place to call home. There are folks who have lost everything. But many choose to cling to the blessings they have gained, instead of the materials they have lost. Many have made new friends and found a new meaning to life. Chick-fil-A encourages everyone who reads this story, to help those who are still in need, and to pass this message along to everyone you know. Let’s pull together to make our community stronger than it was before we ever knew Hurricane Irene.
