NORFOLK, Va. - A local chef is taking action for the flood-ravaged towns of West Virginia.
Eddie Lee Bryant, executive chef at the Town Point Club in Norfolk and a West Virginia native, says he had plans to visit family at the historic Greenbrier Hotel during the Independence Day weekend. It's a trip he makes a couple of times a year.
The hotel is now closed indefinitely due to widespread damage from the heavy flooding.
"I knew right then, I had to do something," says Bryant. "It wasn't a matter of 'oh we're not going to go now.' We're still going to go, but there's no way we're going to go without something."
Bryant posted on his Facebook page on that he was heading to West Virginia the following weekend to drop of supplies. He wrote if anyone wanted to contribute donations, he would deliver them.
He says the outpouring of those wanting to jump on board was instant.
"People have been responding, e-mailing me, texting me, calling me, how can I help, what can I do," he says.
With the help of the community, Bryant says they brought down 780 pounds of dog food, fans, grills, toiletries, toys, clothing, paper products, a case of toothpaste and toothbrushes, sporting goods, along with all kinds of drinks and food. Southern Dodge also donated a van for them to transport all of the donations.
Bryant says he is planning to take another trip towards the end of July.
He is hoping to bring down cleaning supplies, toys for kids between ages 9 and 16, bikes, fans, kitchen supplies, towels, and fresh fruits.
Anyone who is willing to help can contact him on his Facebook page.
