Over the weekend, a strong tornado ravaged western Kentucky, parts of Tennessee and Mississippi, Arkansas, Arkansas, and Illinois.
Many people were killed and many more missing in the devastation that swept across hundreds of miles. The area was left completely unrecognizable by the aftermath, and locals were shocked to see what looked like a ghost town.
Authorities continue to search and rescue victims in Kentucky, which is the hardest-hit state. Another 109 people are still missing.
One man rose up to offer hope and light to the Mayfield residents in these difficult times. Jim Finch is his name and he drove for half an hour with his huge grill and a truckload to cook food for the residents.
He parked right in the middle of the town, where journalist Victor Ordoñez spotted him and asked what he was up to. The Good Samaritan replied humblely when asked about his kind act.
“I know they don’t have no electricity, so that means they don’t have no electric, no restaurants, no running water, so I just figured I’d do what I can do,” he told Ordoñez. “Show up with some food and some water.”
Before Finch set up his grill, Ordoñez captured a panoramic view of the area showing ruined buildings and an endless expanse of rubble. Later, a church service was held in the parking lot across the street from Finch’s spot.
“Jim wore a smile the whole morning, we laugh when I asked if he had a restaurant. He shook his head, “it just needed to be done,” Ordoñez wrote on Twitter.
Finch was born Paducah, Kentucky. However, he felt the need to travel to tornado-rocked Mayfield in order to feed the people.
In a follow-up video, Ordoñez asked Finch what he was cooking.
“Hamburgers, chicken, I got sausage, eggs – just a little simple stuff that you can have and not have to worry about making a mess,” he responded. “You know, grab and go type of food.”
As of writing, Ordoñez’s video of Finch has been viewed 6.5 million times. His efforts were lauded online by thousands. Here are some of the heartwarming comments they left:
“This is what a true hero and a real patriot looks like! Thank you! What an awesome human being!”
“This is an example of what you see when tight knit communities come together in time of need. Mayfield is surrounded small rural communities. I’m sure he is one shining example of others who have come together in some way or another to help in whatever way they can.”
“Every once in a while there is a story that gives you back a little of your faith in humanity. Thank you Jim Finch.”
Andy Beshear, Kentucky governor, said that over 100 people were inside the Mayfield Consumer Products candle plant when it collapsed. The company’s spokesperson, Bob Ferguson, said there have been eight confirmed deaths while another eight remain missing. 90 of the employees have been found.
Mayfield Mayor Kathy Stewart O’Nan said the situation is dire:
“Our infrastructure is so damaged,” she said in an interview with CBS Mornings. “We have no running water. Our water tower was destroyed. Our wastewater management was lost, and there’s no natural gas to the city. We have no other options. So that is purely survival at this point for so many of our people.”
It will take time before the community is healed. Finch and many other people will continue to be beacons for hope during this difficult period in Kentucky history.
Jim Finch needs your help to feed more people in Mayfield. You can donate to his CashApp at $JimmyFinch1.
Here’s Finch’s response when asked about his kind act.
The man drove for half an hour with a grill, a truckload of food, and parked in the middle of the street. #Mayfield, Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/xrVbrMdJ9S
— Victor Ordoñez (@TheOrdonezTimes) December 12, 2021
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