William James (right) hands over some clothing items to Public Fire Education Officer/Inspector Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department for victims of tornados that struck Macon County last week. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge]

"This truck is just overflowing with kindness."

That's how Public Fire Education Officer/Inspector Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department described a Big G trailer full of goods parked next to the city's main station on Monday.

The loaded tractor-trailer left this morning at 7 for tornado-stricken Macon County packed with needed supplies. A twister ripped a path through the rural county last week, killing 13 people and leaving many without a roof over their heads.

While members of the fire department may have organized the relief effort, it has been the generosity of the people of Shelbyville and Bedford County that have made this possible, Nicholson said.

Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department sorts through the goods donated by Bedford County citizens to Macon County tornado victims. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge]

"We've got people waiting on this stuff and we need to get to them as soon as possible," Nicholson said.

Firefighters have gathered about five pallets of bottled water, canned goods, baby needs, hardware such as duct tape, clear plastic sheeting, tools, and oil for chain saws. Also collected have been pieces of clothing, fresh linens, hygiene materials and a variety of other desperately needed items.

The collection effort began on Friday, Nicholson said, and it only took the weekend to fill the tractor-trailer to the limit.

Another load of items is being gathered at Exit Celebration Realty and Auction on Madison Street. Items will be accepted until Feb. 20.

Firefighters have spent most of their time just getting the items organized, which includes a "tremendous amount of food" and water. Nicholson said that many of the residents of Macon County get their water from wells, but with the power out, there's no way to pull it from the ground.

There has even been furniture donated to the effort and while that may not seem like an immediate need, the department has not been turning any item away.

"Anyone that's generous enough to give it, we'll take it. The biggest problem is storage space," Nicholson said of the larger donations.

"It's been a great turnout. It's really heart-warming to see people come out and support their neighbors," he said.