In response to the recent request of the Salvation Army of bottled drinking water Todd Kriewall, owner of Crossroads Trailer, contacted the Albert Lea Hy-Vee. Kriewall felt driven to answer the cry for help in part because of witnessing firsthand how this state pulls together in time of need. 2010 was the year of devastating tornadoes for this community and help came from all over the United States to help people they had never met. Kriewall’s vision was to help facilitate the collection and delivery of a large amount of water.

In small communities friendships and relationships are valuable as can be seen here in detail. Al Weisert, Hy-Vee manager, and Kriewall coordinated an effort to supply the flood ravaged area with two semi loads of water delivered to the Salvation Army for distribution. Weisert continued his statement saying, “Getting the Austin Hy-Vee and Pro Trucking to come along side this effort has made this project a reality.”

The process for getting the water from Albert Lea and Austin to the flood area is simple. Crossroads Trailer has donated the use of the trailers for the transportation, Dan DeBoer from Pro Trucking has provided the tractor and driver to deliver the full trailers to The Salvation Army, and Hy-Vee has been able to secure the water at a below cost price. The group is asking for donations of $25 to help in paying for the 44 pallets of water.  The service desks at Hy-Vee will have special collection devices or checks can be dropped off at either Salvation Army in Austin or Albert Lea. The goal is set at $7,500.