Nationwide — Early Walker, owner of Chicago-based W&W Towing, was joined by Custom Companies Trucking Firm, 34th Ward Alderman Carrie M. Austin, Bishop Larry Trotter, Bloom Township Democratic Committeewoman Lori Wilcox, Olympia Fields Trustee Desiree Watkins and other public officials when they formally announced a county-wide water, juice, and non-perishable items drop-off campaign.

The items were received, packaged and transported to specific areas of Dallas, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee that were negatively impacted by the recent winter storms.

Mr. Walker had been flooded with calls and cries for help within the state of Texas. There had been reports of numerous deaths due to the lack of electricity throughout much of the state, and civic leaders in Dallas began bringing awareness to the fact that thousands of Dallas area residents were without food and water as well as other basic quality of life needs.

“As Americans, we can’t stand idle and watch our fellow Americans in Dallas and Memphis endure such abnormal living conditions. The last thing any American should be concerned about is food and water. We have to move fast,” said Mr. Walker.

Upon receiving these calls for help, Mr. Walker contacted Mr. Perry Mandera of the Custom Companies Trucking Firm and he immediately agreed to donate the services of his trucking firm free of charges.

Walker adds, “There has been no time in the last five years where Mr. Mandera has refused to help us in responding to a national crisis. He has a heart of gold. Surely we could never attempt this mission without his help and the efforts of his employees. I’m honored, grateful and blessed to have had the support of Alderman Carrie Austin. Within minutes, she resolved our logistical problems and continues to the rock that keeps things flowing.”

At Marshfield Plaza in Chicago, hundreds of cases of water, juice, and other items such as over-the-counter bottles of Tylenol were donated to the cause. The items were then transported 954 miles to Dallas, Texas and arrived late Thursday evening at the 50 Acre Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC).

That Friday morning at 9am, IBOC Pastor Rickie Rush, graciously received the trucks and had volunteers to unload the trailers. The items were then immediately distributed to thousands of awaiting Dallas area residents there at the church.

An additional trailer arrived at Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee on Thursday for affected residents in that area.