WC volunteers help clear storm debris in Springtown
Several late April storms that spawned tornadoes and straight-line winds left widespread
damage across Springtown and Mineral Wells. On Thursday, May 7, Weatherford College
volunteers stepped in to help neighbors in Springtown with the cleanup process.
About 25 Weatherford College students, faculty and staff participated in a day of service organized by Grant Mills, student life coordinator. After connecting with local disaster relief organizers, the college was asked to assist with debris removal at several residential properties.
“A lot of my classmates were affected by the tornadoes, so being able to step in and help their community is one of the reasons WC feels different in the best way,” said student Machi Myers.
Volunteers worked at nine homes, focusing primarily on fence clearing, debris removal and chainsaw work. The effort targeted properties where residents were unable to complete the work on their own.
“We spent the day clearing debris and assisting families in any way we could,” said student Kate Barrington. “It was really meaningful to come together as students and support people in our neighboring community during such a hard and difficult time. Experiences like this show how much Weatherford College truly cares for the people around them.”
Christy Grady, a Springtown resident whose family property was impacted by the storms, shared her appreciation for the volunteers’ work.
“The farm has been in our family for three generations, and there was so much devastation. It is so hard to know where to start the cleanup process,” Grady said. “What a wonderful surprise when the group offered to help do anything that I needed. They got to work right away, and when they finished cleaning the field, they asked if I knew of anyone else who might need help.”
She directed them to her sister’s home next door and to a 93-year-old resident up the road who also needed assistance, underscoring the day of service’s focus on meeting immediate community needs while giving students a meaningful way to respond to the storm’s impact.
"It was also an opportunity for the WC community to demonstrate compassion, leadership and resilience beyond the classroom,” Mills said. “More than just volunteer work, the day reflected the heart of Weatherford College and the strength of our campus community. WC was proud to leave a positive impact while standing alongside those rebuilding and recovering.”
