Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/32232
WORLD FENCE NEWS • JUNE 2011 • 49 STATESVILLE, N.C. — In an ef- fort to provide badly needed supplies to the victims of the deadly tornado outbreak that struck Alabama and other southern states in April, the Mer- chants Metals Statesville manufactur- ing facility succeeded in filling a 53-foot-long tractor trailer with emer- gency supplies and sent it on its way to the company’s Fairfield (Birming- ham), Ala. wholesale location. Upon arriving in Alabama, the supplies were distributed to a special facility set up by the Salvation Army and were made available for anyone in need. The storms, which hit April 25- 28, claimed an estimated 350 lives. Statesville plant manager Stacy West spearheaded the effort, which he admitted was a “big task on short no- tice,” but the project was completed in only four days. Items collected and sent included canned food, bottled water, toiletries, baby wipes, and baby formula. ingham service center, sent the fol- lowing letter of appreciation to the vol- unteers: “Your kindness and generosity filled up a 53 foot trailer. Most of all, you cared, and that was never more ev- ident than when we started unloading the truck. Along with all the other great donations, we came across letters to the victims of the storm written by Hiddenite Elementary School stu- dents. Each one was written and col- ored in with words of love and encouragement, only like a small child can. “It brought tears to eyes, I can as- sure you. But it wasn’t just the chil- dren. It was people like you caring enough to be involved and lending a helping hand in a time of need,” said Tyus. “This is the worst natural disaster on record in Alabama. It received a Category 1 disaster ranking, the same ranking that Hurricane Katrina received. Whole towns and communi- ties have been affected. “For example, the small town of Hackleburg in northeast Alabama was hit by an EF5 tornado and 95 percent of the town is gone,” he said. “Unfor- tunately, Hackleburg is just a small percentage of the overall devastation across our state. Alabama has been hit hard, but the resolve of its people is as strong as ever. Keep them in your prayers as well as all the other people affected by these storms across the Southeast. “Because of your willing- ness to make this happen, be- cause you care, these donations of the heart will give victims encouragement for the future,” Tyus added. “I’ve been in the worst hit areas and I’ve talked to vic- tims of the storms and I can tell you, unequivocally, they are grateful and moved by your kindness. The use of the enclosed trailer was donated by Holland Transfer, and pulled with a Merchants Metals trac- tor. West noted that the supplies were especially needed in areas that were destroyed, but which already were im- poverished. He added that Merchants Metals fence manufacturing and wholesale lo- cations are found throughout the United States, and that the relief effort was just one way they could help an- other member of the Merchants Met- als organization. Paul Tyus, manager of the Birm- “When Stacy called and told me that he hoped to fill a tractor trailer full of donations, I have to be honest, I was grateful and hopeful but not sure it could be done. Stacy said to me, ‘North Carolina cares.’ Sure enough, the truck backed in at 7 a.m. on Satur- day and we opened the doors of the trailer. From front to back it was full! North Carolina does care and you proved it without a doubt,” he said. “We give special thanks to Stacy and the staff at our Statesville plant. You made this happen. Just an awe- some job!” said Tyus. Be sure to see more photos on p. 52 Merchants Metals mobilizes to send badly needed emergency supplies to tornado stricken areas Member team inc l Sabatinelli, s of the Mer T Dennis Campbell (Statesville a uded, left to right, Chris us. oni and Ronnie La c driver) and P ul T Linda Russell. y (Mer c h hants Metals relief Not pictured is , ants Metals photos) wrence , N.C. Mer Ronnie La k truc c h hants Metals Birmingham branc wrence of the guides the Mer c to the doc hants k.