RANDLEMAN, N.C. (WFMY) – We see it in pictures and videos on our mobile and TV screens: Florence wreaked havoc all across the Carolinas.
As the number of people affected continues to increase, so does the number of businesses, organizations and neighbors lending a helping hand.
Florence made its presence known in the Piedmont bringing lots of flooding with it but has also brought out the best in many.
Take Mike Buchanan as an example.
Right across the Dollar General on Business 220 in Randleman, you’ll find the Randleman Marketplace.
On a regular week, most of the tables and shacks of the marketplace will be unoccupied, except for Buchanan’s.
He is the owner and cook of Southern Bbq Yankee, the first step in the homegrown cook and competitive pitmaster’s dream of becoming a restaurant owner.
After seeing how hard Florence has hit many in North Carolina, Buchanan decided to step up to the plate and do his part in helping the best way he can.
“They can come here, they can eat, and it will not cost them anything,” he said in an interview with WFMY News 2.
He says he knows what natural disaster can do to people’s property and their emotional state based on experiences from when he lived in Upstate New York.
“To see devastation firsthand is horrible,” Buchanan said. “Knowing that people don’t know where to turn, don’t know who they can turn to, that’s why I’m doing this.”
On Mike Buchanan’s grill you’ll find hot dogs, burgers, BBQ wings and barbecue with traditional sides and toppings.
To those not affected by Florence who stop by his grill for a bite, Buchanan will ask for a donation in exchange to continue to replenish his stock to feed victims.
“We ask you to come in, see us, donate something, to help us provide more food for those that need the help,” Buchanan added.
Southern Bbq Yankee is open Monday through Saturday from 11AM until he runs out of food for the day.
When the team is not at their Randleman Marketplace stand, Buchanan says they are generally catering other charity and fundraiser events across the Piedmont.
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