Residents, cities distribute food to storm victims

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DAPHNE – In the wake of Hurricane Sally, local officials and volunteers worked to cook meals to storm victims who had lost food or had no way to prepare meals without power.

In Daphne, the city set up two meal service locations to provide lunch and dinner in the days after the storm struck on Sept. 16.

Kara Wilbourn, Daphne marketing coordinator, said meals were being served at the Jubilee Square Shopping Center and Trojan Hall at Daphne High School.

“The city of Daphne is working with the American Red Cross to provide meals for people who need them,” Wilbourn said. “Things are going very smoothly. The Red Cross has done a great job and so far, we’ve served over 1,000 meals.”

Wilbourn said the businesses at Jubilee Square also helped in the effort by providing space for the distribution even though the site increased traffic at the site. “The city is very grateful to everyone at Jubilee Square for all they’ve done,” she said.

At Trojan Hall, Daphne High School teacher Deborah Few said students were joining in the effort to help residents. She said some of the groups taking part in the effort included the National Honor Society, Girls Service Club, Key Club and Student Government Association.

She said many of the students taking part in the efforts to help have also had damage to their own homes.

“We’re trying to meet this side of the need. Lake Forest is kind of divided right now with all of the destruction. We’re hoping it’s going to spread a little bit,” Few said. “Ironically, after COVID this year, our mission this year for Daphne High School was actually Trojan Serve, so just because of COVID and wanting to give back and get more involved and the kids were ready to come back because of COVID and get involved.”

Mayor Dane Haygood said volunteers have been arriving from outside the area to help with cleanup and other needs.

“The Church of Latter Day Saints brought down, I think, 300 to 400 people,” Haygood said, “We were able to work with Lake Forest POA and get them stationed to camp out at the 19th hole on the golf course to provide both some supplies they brought to distribute within Daphne as well as to provide some community service to the affected homeowners and neighbors.”

City Council President Robin LeJeune said local workers and residents have been hard at work helping others since the storm.

“It’s just amazing what they’ve been able to do under the stress and being away from their families,” LeJeune said. “Also thanks to the citizens out there that are helping each other. I got to be part of a thing last night at Ridgewood Pool where the citizens got together and started cooking and just handing out meals. They were out there until 9 o’clock at night handing out food.”