GRANDFALLS, Texas — A small town, with a big heart. Grandfalls-Royalty ISD is collecting water and other donations to deliver to the victims of the tornados that swept through Sanderson this month.
First Grade teacher Becky Carnero and Coach Tom McVey came up with the idea to support their neighbors after Carnero visited her family in the affected area and witnessed the destruction.
"It was overwhelming, we drove into town and when we got there, it looked like a war zone," said Carnero.
Superintendent Dr. Bryan Hernandez agreed the district should be a hub for donations that could be sent to Sanderson.
"Immediately I was like, 'absolutely'. I mean, this is what we do," said Dr. Hernandez. "Our small schools are a very tight knit family. And our kids are always willing to help, the people in the community are willing to help. Let's get the message out and let's see, you know how much support we can get it for them because, again, small schools are small, and we support one another."
Coach McVey volunteered to haul the district's trailer to Sanderson once donations started pouring in. The two districts are rivals in sports, but according to Coach McVey, they're much more than that.
"We play against them in all kinds of sports so I reached out to the coaches and asked, 'What can we help y'all with?' and they said, 'We just need help.' So we figured this would be one of the best things to do," said Coach McVey.
Within just a few days, members of the community donated at least 55 cases of water and other beverages.
On June 11, McKey along with Carnero and others dropped off the items they collected for the people of Sanderson.
"We'll continue to receive donations if anybody in the area within the Permian Basin and would like to help out in any way," said Superintendent Dr. Hernandez.
According to Carnero, dozens of people are picking up the pieces of what's been left behind, working outside in 100-degree weather and because of this, there's a request for donations including sunscreen and medicine.
I think with our small communities we don't have access to resources like a big Walmart down the street," Dr. Hernandez said. "So we really think anything would be appreciated."
Grandfalls-Royalty ISD is located at 108 C Ave, Grandfalls, TX 79742.
On June 15, the city of Sanderson will be holding a community clean-up at Lomita Terrace Neighborhood from 7:20 AM to 1PM.