By Joey McWilliams
KINGSTON – Volunteers were in strong supply all around Marshall County on Tuesday to help friends and neighbors clean up and recover from the devastation brought on by tornados the evening before.
The Kingston Multipurpose Activity Center became a staging center for people to bring water and a gathering point to provide meals for those helping in other areas.
First United Bank brought it mobile grilling trailer and set up shop to serve lunch. More than 800 people were fed through the late morning and early afternoon.
Scott Uhlenhake, president of First United campuses in Kingston and Madill, talked about serving the community in Marshall County.
“We have enjoyed setting up and cooling some hot dogs and trying to serve all the volunteers that are helping with the tornado cleanup and assist the displaced families,” Uhlenhake said. “It’s such a tragedy in our community and we just want to be there to serve.”
The Rib Crib in Durant also donated food to the cause on Tuesday. Kingston teachers, First United bank employees and other volunteers worked to prepare food not only for this who were able to eat at the KMAC, but also to deliver food to families in their homes and to workers at sites being cleaned.
The First United Bank crew will be on hand on Wednesday in the Buncombe Creek area to do the same. They will start serving in the late morning.
Uhlenhake said it was so good to see the community work in concert when a need arises.
“I’m really blown away by all the volunteers who have come together. It just shows how strong our community is and I’m grateful and blessed to live here and see how all this comes together in a time of need like this.