MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. — In the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck Morgan County, local residents have banded together to help those affected by the destruction. The disaster has prompted an outpouring of support from neighbors, businesses, and volunteers determined to aid in the recovery process.
Andrew Houser, the owner of Houser Excavating, and Logan Heidel, the owner of Heidel Farms Land Clearing and Dirt Work, have both stepped up to provide much-needed assistance. Despite running separate businesses, the two men share a common goal: to help their community heal.
“We’re just giving back to the community. We’re neighbors, we live locally here, so seeing that there’s a need, we just stopped and asked if we could help,” Houser explained. “That’s all we’re doing — just trying to do God’s work and give back a little bit to our local community and our friends.”
The devastation caused by the tornado has left many residents struggling to pick up the pieces of their lives. For Houser and Heidel, it was clear that helping their neighbors was a priority. The sense of community is strong in Morgan County, and when disaster strikes, residents are quick to lend a hand.
“They’re really having a rough time right now. Literally their lives have been turned upside down, and me and Andrew feel that these people would do the same for us if they had the means to do it,” Heidel said.
The solidarity extends beyond the local businesses. Volunteers from neighboring counties have also traveled to Morgan County, offering their time and resources to help in the recovery effort. One such group, known as “Chainsaws for Jesus,” has made it their mission to assist those affected by natural disasters by providing essential tools and support.
Spence Mayners, the owner of Chainsaws for Jesus, shared that their volunteers focus on getting essential equipment back in working order. “We come out to disaster areas and sharpen chainsaws, maybe even do some light tweaks. We bring chains, spark plugs, because a lot of times when you come to these areas, there’s no supplies,” Mayners said. “We try to bring that and pray with the people too.”
For Houser, Heidel, and countless others in Morgan County, helping out is simply part of the fabric of the community. The residents of Morgan County do not wait for help to come — they rise to the occasion themselves.
“We don’t rely on anybody else to help us,” Houser said. “We just see a need and step in. That’s just the way this community is. It’s how we’ve always been. We just love each other. In times of crisis, we just step up.”
As the cleanup efforts continue, volunteers and residents alike hope their support will provide not only practical aid but also much-needed encouragement to those affected by the disaster. By offering both hands-on assistance and a message of solidarity, the community is proving that no one has to face adversity alone.
