SLIDELL, La. — The need is great in Slidell, one day after an EF-2 tornado ripped a nearly 10-mile path of destruction through town, damaging up to 100 homes and businesses.
Many neighbors are hurting.
“Not good,” said Cheryl Lynn McLemore. “It will be alright though.”
“We got damage on our house from trees,” Charles McLemore said. “The roof, part of it flew over. We lost a fence. We lost our dogs for a while. Thank God we got those back.”
The McLemore’s were among the storm victims lining up at Fritchie Park for food, water, and ice.
A small army of volunteers from area churches spent the day cooking meals and lending a hand.
That included a group of youngsters with the Church of The King serve team.
“It’s kind of fun doing stuff for other people who are in need and not thinking about myself and thinking about how other people need the help,” said Duce Fornet.
“It’s a very fun thing helping people,” said Dave Sykes. “It brings me a lot of joy.”
“We are spreading the love of Jesus and helping all of the people that need help,” said Madison Wallace.
Other volunteers from Northshore and Journey Fellowship Churches helped remove storm debris and fallen trees on Haley Street off of Old Spanish Trail.
“Times like this we just come together and the name of the Lord and work together and help folks who are hurting,” said Northshore Pastor Larry McEwen.
“We didn’t really even have to make a phone call,” homeowner Steven Stringer said. “They just came. It’s amazing to see.”
Back at Fritchie Park volunteers vow to stay as long as they’re needed.
Mayor Greg Cromer said their support warms the heart.
“It’s really amazing the resilience and the spirit of our community and the folks that want to help and support us.”
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