LARRY CANTRELL saw the devastation that ran rampant through many of the Southern states during last month’s deadly tornadoes while driving his truck through the area. In response, Cantrell and his Kentucky community filled his truck to the brim with aid for Cleveland. From left are Ruthie Forgey (Cleveland Salvation Army), Joe Hyman, Pattie Hyman, Karen Cantrell, Larry Cantrell, Joel Rogers (Cleveland Salvation Army).
When he arrived home he launched an effort in his community to gather as many supplies as he could and bring them to those in need.
Cantrell’s employer, Continental Transport, green-lighted the use of his truck and donated diesel fuel for his project.
According to friend of the family Karen Bowles, Cantrell, with the help of his wife, Karen, and friends Joe and Pattie Hyman, began collecting donations in an effort the area coined as “People Helping People.”
The initiative took 39 hours of accepting, sorting and packing the donations into Cantrell’s truck. The 53-foot enclosed trailer was fully loaded with water, non-perishable food items, diapers, toiletry items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, toys, first aid supplies, tools and clothing.
“Larry contacted emergency agencies in the ravaged areas of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, and he was shocked when we told him of the devastation in Bradley County,” said Bowles.
Cantrell then proceeded to coordinate his efforts with the Emergency Management Agency and the Salvation Army to get the supplies to those in need around the county.
When the truck arrived in Cleveland, the Adventist Disaster Support Team, Salvation Army Volunteers and Cantrells’ friends in Cleveland came out to help unload the truck.
“It’s all about people helping people,” said Cantrell.
