ALBANY, Ga. — Hundreds of people in need in south Georgia lined up outside the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany as our Convoy of Care rolled into town, loaded up with the supplies that Channel 2 Action News viewers from across the metro donated last week.
Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne traveled with the convoy and found there was a much bigger need than first thought.
“It is important for us to reach out to help those who are going through this troubling situation of a disaster taking away everything they have, to make it possible for them to get something that’s very good,” said Eslene Shockley, with Caring for Others.
All were extremely grateful for the contributions that Channel 2 viewers sent to help them out.
Hundreds of people started lining up around 7:30 a.m., hours before the convoy got into town Monday.
“It blessed my heart to know that y’all come and help us and we thank you so much. God bless you,” said Trudy Watson, who took home some of the supplies.
The 10 truckloads of supplies included food, clothing, water, cleaning supplies and diapers for small children, which were all taken to people hardest hit by Hurricane Michael.
“A tree hit my roof and hit my car. My bedroom, where I was laying at,” said Lynn Witherspoon. “I was proud and happy that they’re doing something for the community.”
“There’s a great divide, allegedly, between the community and law enforcement, and we think these efforts show there’s not as great a divide as people would like to say,” said Clarence Cox, with the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Minute-by-minute updates from today's convoy:
12:55 p.m. People are already lined up in Albany to receive supplies.
10:45 a.m. A bus full of volunteers is also a part of the convoy. They will help deliver the supplies once they arrive.
9:45 a.m. It's much more than supplies that were donated. Dozens of companies and people are also donating their time and resources to make the Convoy of Care possible.
9:30 a.m. The Convoy of Care is being escorted by officers from several departments.
9:00 a.m. Channel 2's Mark Winne is driving along with the convoy.
8:45 a.m. The Convoy of Care is on the road