Giving Back | By Savannah Tradd
Marlon Gutierrez, Ali Flores and Pastor Ray Lloyd (L-R)
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, with Family Church at the heart of the relief efforts, a powerful wave of compassion emerged from the Windermere community. The church received numerous calls from members eager to offer assistance. This collective desire to help quickly turned into a coordinated and heartfelt mission to provide relief to those hardest hit by the storm.
As soon as the local authorities gave clearance, Pastor Ray Lloyd and volunteers Ali Flores and Marlon Gutierrez wasted no time. They loaded a truck with donations and delivered them to Florida’s West Coast, which had borne the brunt of the hurricane's impact. The supplies they offered were a lifeline for many residents, but their efforts didn’t stop there.
As Hurricane Helene continued its destructive path into North Carolina, more donations poured in, prompting a second relief mission. Palm Casual Furniture generously contributed a box truck, which was filled with all of the community contributions. Local veterans Andy McGhee, Allan Doyle, and Allan’s son, Corbin, drove to Union Mills, North Carolina. They partnered with Cane Creek Baptist Church to ensure the critical supplies reached those in need across the region.
Andy McGhee, Corbin and Allan Doyle, and NC Church members (L-R)
This community-driven effort and the shared commitment to helping others delivered not just supplies but also a message of unity and resilience. The compassion shown by these individuals and organizations made a tangible difference in the lives of many.
