Former Tennessee softball player helps lead volunteers in flood cleanup

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — In times of need, it truly takes a village to get a community back on its feet. One group put together by a former Tennessee Softball player and an area realtor is bringing that village to the hardest hit neighborhoods.

That village is being spearheaded by Kaylan Cole and Hannah Frazier. The two brought volunteers together to work shortly after the floods. Cole, a Cocke County native and member of the 2021 Lady Vols softball team, said this place and these people are special.

“In a nightmare, it’s that glimpse of hey everything is going to be okay,” Cole said. “Our community is a good community. Our group of people is a good group of people. I couldn’t speak more highly of these people and I just met them three days ago.”

The group is referring to took to the River Chase Trail neighborhood situated on the banks of the French Broad River. They started helping Ms. Jerry Evans who barely made it out of the neighborhood as the waters rose.

“I have all hope in this world because of such good crew that’s here today helping us to clean this up,” Jerry Evans said. “I know it may take months but we will recover and we are Cocke County strong forever.”

In the same neighborhood, is 77-year-old Vietnam Veteran Wayne “John” McMahan. His house covered in thick mud on the inside. He lost everything in the flood. McMahan recounts what he thought as the river started coming over its banks.

“Please God, make it stop,” he said.

McMahan was able to retrieve his military uniform and his father’s flag among the mud. He is beyond thankful for his neighbors and the community.

“I’m lost for words because of being so thankful that I’m still here, all the neighbors are accounted for down here and everybody helping,” McMahan said. “I don’t know the words, there’s no words that can describe this community and how they are pulling together.”

Evans offered this sentiment to other area residents who are in the process of cleaning up as well.

“Hope, there’s always hope. Don’t ever give up because God is always in control,” Evans said. “We love them and we feel their hurt because we’re so hurt.”

Kaylan Cole, Hannah Fraizer, Tyler Gray and team are asking for more volunteers as they continue going through and cleaning homes. If you are interested in volunteering with them, Cole told 6 News the group meets the Newport Walmart along Cosby Highway every morning at 9:00 a.m.

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