APOC Roofing & Waterproofing may be among the largest manufacturers of residential and commercial roofing products, but it was the more than 1,000 meals it provided in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Michael that made all the difference in the world to some.
That’s because APOC’s Florida team took action and immediately organized a small but dedicated group that would drive north to help distributors, their employees and members of the surrounding communities.
They ended up providing more than 1,000 breakfast and lunch meals. The company just released an touching video about the project (the video is posted below).
“With our main headquarters in Tampa, this storm hit close to home,” APOC said in a blog post. “Along with the entire state of Florida, we had been anxiously watching Michael’s path and couldn’t help but think, this could have been us. The heartbreaking images and videos that followed in the aftermath were hard to watch. There was no doubt that help was needed as our friends in the Panhandle began the long road to rebuilding their homes and lives.”
When Hurricane Michael made landfall in Mexico City Beach, Fla. on Oct. 10 as the fourth strongest hurricane in U.S. history, it devastated the Florida Panhandle and left hundreds of residents without shelter and electricity.
Neighborhoods, businesses, apartments and hotels throughout the area suffered catastrophic damage due to the extreme winds and storm surge. Some estimates put the damage from Hurricane Michael at over $15 billion.
APOC MidSouth Region District Sales Manager Frank Glasscock and Manufacturer Representative Bill White checked on APOC’s north Florida partners and scouted locations where they felt they could make a difference.
John Walker, field systems coordinator, loaded up the APOC trailer with freezers full of food and beverages and made his way north from Tampa.
They visited several affected areas including Panama City, Fla. setting up at Gulf Eagle Supply.
In the following days, the APOC team served the Tallahassee community at Suncoast Roofers Supply and then the Marianna, Fla. community in coordination with the Welcome Assembly of God Church.
“This Florida Panhandle journey was the first of several planned as we provide more meals, a friendly smile and encouragement to those in need,” APOC said in its blog.
To donate to Hurricane Relief Efforts by the United Way of Northwest Florida, click here
