As floodwaters ravaged southeastern North Carolina, Lisa Darden thought of her friend.

She was in need. And it was a friend who she knew would do the same for her.

So Darden, accounting coordinator for House of Raeford Farms’ Filet of Chicken division in Mocksville, went to work.

There were plenty of volunteers at work – and supervisors who donated bags of chicken for the flood victims.

She contacted the Davie County Early College, and more volunteers came on board. Everywhere she went, people wanted to help.

They went around the county, collecting donations from businesses – blankets from Hampton Inn, water from LeBleu, and clothes and other items from countless donors. Getting trucks to haul the goods to the Lumberton area was a breeze, as well.

While the devastation was great, the volunteers had a wonderful time, she said.

“Homes were lost. Roads were washed away. Schools were closed,” she said. “I called my friends at Davie County Early College High School asking for their support, and they jumped right in to help without hesitation.

“This trip forever touched our hearts. We are so blessed and I thank you for the many blessings that you shared with all of our neighbors in need. The flood victims were so happy to see our little caravan of trucks pulling in.

“After gathering hands and saying a prayer thanking our Lord above, the offloading began. This trip has humbled us and changed our lives forever. I simply love you all and will never forget your generosity for our friends in need,” Darden said.