HARRELLS — Led by its Senior Prefect student leaders, Harrells Christian Academy has carried out a campaign to pack an 18-wheeler truck with supplies desperately needed in Texas due to Hurricane Harvey devastation.

The students’ effort joined forces with Coharie Country Club in Clinton, Midway Middle School, Clement Baptist Church, Clement Fire Department, St. Patrick’s Church in Fayetteville, and River Landing Country Club in Wallace. On Sept. 16, 2107, the truck departed for Port Arthur, Texas loaded with toiletries, food, batteries, diapers, paper products, and six full pallets of bottled water.

“I couldn’t explain how I felt today if I tried,” said Tanner Price, who drove the truck and delivered the donations to church leaders in Port Arthur. “It’s humbling to be in the presence of people who have lost and are still willing to selflessly serve their community.”

During the drive, Price got word that another city en route was completely without potable water and was asked by the folks in Port Arthur to divert any water he had to that city as he passed through.

Many students at Harrells saw firsthand what flooding, storm damage, and power outages can be like during last year’s Hurricane Matthew. As Community Service Prefect Kyra Gensel put it, “I am so proud of how we all came together to support those who needed our help in Texas, since we all know just how bad hurricanes can be.”

Service to others is a primary value of the Harrells Christian Academy culture, and this year’s weather is unfortunately providing many opportunities for students to live out that value. The HCA community hopes to continue its relationship with Port Arthur as a “sister city” as it works to rebuild in the months and years to come.

Students from Harrells Christian Academy worked to collect donations to be delivered to Texas and given to victims of Hurricane Harvey.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_HCAhurricanrelief4.jpgStudents from Harrells Christian Academy worked to collect donations to be delivered to Texas and given to victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Students from Harrells Christian Academy worked to collect donations to be delivered to Texas and given to victims of Hurricane Harvey.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_HCAhurricanerelief2.jpgStudents from Harrells Christian Academy worked to collect donations to be delivered to Texas and given to victims of Hurricane Harvey.