On March 3rd of this year, a deadly EF4 tornado swept through Beauregard, AL, a community in our Deep South Region. The violent, mile-wide tornado produced widespread, catastrophic damage. Dozens of homes, belonging to rural community members in our Deep South Region, were reduced to rubble and empty lots. The tornado that devastated Beauregard was the biggest storm to strike America since 2013.

With tool belts fastened and hammers in hand, West Point Sales Center management team (in partnership with Chattahoochee Fuller Center), set out to help rebuild at least one Beauregard residence on October 1st. Along with able bodied laborers, pallets of drinks were donated to keep the volunteer work force hydrated in the sweltering, southern heat. The temperature was in the upper 90’s as Coca Cola’s dedicated volunteers scaled ladders and hauled lumber.

Team West Point raised walls, tacked in insulation and installed a roof top, among other construction tasks to rebuild a home lost by a community member in the storm in March.

“It was one of the most physically demanding projects I’ve ever worked on but also one of the most fulfilling experiences, helping our customers and neighbors affected by that devasting storm” said Sales Center Manager Allen Buffington.

This project is part of a global initiative by the Hallmark Channel, called “Hometown Christmas.” The initiative, set to build 15 homes in Beauregard, along with many others elsewhere, is to bring the best of the holiday season to communities who need it most, according to a Hallmark spokesperson.

In addition to airing the houses reveal, Hallmark will serve a holiday meal for the Beauregard community “in the heart of the town” at Providence Baptist Church, a spokesperson said. The network will also will plant a living Christmas tree and bring Santa Claus to give toys to local children.

Additionally, the church will host a program and performance by the church choir. “It is a true Hometown Christmas and a chance to bring help and hope this holiday season to the people in Beauregard,” spokesperson Pam Slay said.