Greenwood Community Unites with Barbecue Event to Aid Hurricane Helene Victims

Greenwood Community Comes Together with Barbecue and Kindness After Hurricane Helene

October 2, 2024

After Hurricane Helene swept through, it left a trail of destruction and power outages, but it also inspired remarkable acts of community spirit and generosity. On Tuesday, Greenwood witnessed an admirable demonstration of unity as Chris Reeder, the owner of Fat Daddy’s BBQ, partnered with Tidwell Jewelers to provide free barbecue to those affected.

This collaboration saw residents lining up outside Tidwell Jewelers, eagerly awaiting the delicious food from Fat Daddy’s BBQ. The event was not just about a meal; it symbolized hope and togetherness following the hurricane’s havoc.

Despite facing significant damage to his residence in Belle Meade, Reeder’s commitment to aiding others never wavered. “Everybody’s going through their own thing,” Reeder shared. He mentioned how the power outage had many folks cooking on grills, and once electricity was restored at Fat Daddy’s, he saw it as an ideal chance to give back. Partnering with Tidwell Jewelers allowed them to broaden their reach and support more people in need. “Tidwell was my neighbor in the shopping center when I first opened. He was one of the first people to say hi and welcome us. We’ve partnered with them for over seven years,” said Reeder.

Thanks to their collaborative efforts, they estimated serving over 400 people, far exceeding the number they could have otherwise helped. People were grateful for the hot, nourishing meals after relying on basic sandwiches since last week.

Community Spirit Shines Through

Ella Sibert expressed how heartwarming it was to see everyone coming together. “It’s kind of a teary-eyed situation. I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said warmly.

The effort was further bolstered by volunteers from Self Regional and Healthy Learners Greenwood. Dena Campbell, a volunteer from Healthy Learners Greenwood, explained that with their offices closed and no power, they decided to make the best use of their time by serving the community. Brenda Anderson, a volunteer from Self Regional, echoed the sentiment of unity. “I just want everybody else to be okay. We got to come together and help each other, not just today but always,” she emphasized.

A Resident’s Perspective

Jimmy Norris, a resident of Ninety Six, was among those who stopped by to pick up food for his family. Having relied on bologna and turkey sandwiches since the hurricane’s arrival, he was truly appreciative of the hot meal. “We appreciate all they’re doing,” Norris acknowledged.

Tracey Tidwell Herron summed up the day’s feelings beautifully, expressing hope that this act of kindness serves as a reminder that “there is still good in the world and that God is still good.”

The event was a memorable example of the Greenwood community’s resilience, showing how much stronger people can be when they unite and support each other, especially in challenging times.

Final Thoughts

It’s a heartening reminder of the power of community and the importance of giving back. Even in the wake of difficulties, such acts of kindness and cooperation shine brightly, providing both practical help and emotional uplift to those who need it most.