DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. — All they wanted to do was help tornado victims in their neighboring state. So this group of friends did exactly that.
What You Need To Know
- On Dec. 10, 2021, an EF-4 tornado tore through Dawson Springs, Kentucky
- Volunteers from near and far are still in western Kentucky to help families rebuild
- Terry McCrarey and three friends have been making lunches in the town square
- The Evansville, Indiana residents have also cooked for residents of Mayfield
The damage caused by an EF-4 tornado is everywhere you look in Dawson Springs. The small western Kentucky town of just over 2,000 residents took a direct hit from the massive tornado on Dec. 10, 2021.
Recovery work is continuing at a steady pace as homes are still being torn down and other residents are trying to repair and rebuild. Volunteers have come from near and far alike.
Terry McCrarey and three of his friends have visited from Evansville, Indiana. “It almost brought tears to our eyes seeing all the disaster," McCrarey said.
Once upon a time, McCrarey was in culinary arts school – but how long ago, McCrarey can't say.
“I don’t want to tell you." McCrarey laughed. I don't want to say and tell my age."
The important thing to know is McCrarey and his friends are there simply because they want to help.
“We decided to try and do the best we could," he said.
It's a simple gesture that's making a big impact. In fact, in one day the group brought enough food to make 150 lunches; sloppy joes, potato salad and dessert.
“Come on up. How many would you like?" Danielle Day said to someone waiting in line.
They set up a table in the small downtown square a few feet away from a historical marker and a row of old buildings and storefronts. It was Danielle Day’s third visit to Dawson Springs.
In the months since the storm, they've made lunches in Mayfield as well, which was hit by the same tornado that also caused extensive damage to that city.
Day is a welcoming presence in a town that needs a helping hand. She predicts they'll run out of food quickly.
“I think we’ll easily hit it. You’re welcome, sir, would you like a bag?” Day said. In fact it was Day's mother who chipped in her own money to purchase the food prepared that day. To the side of the table is a large thank you card people sign before they pick up their meals.
McCrarey said it simply: the more help, the better.
“Whoever can come to help out, just like us, trying to help out. Every little bit helps," McCrarey said.