Two actresses who now live in Tennessee rolled up their sleeves to serve alongside The Salvation Army in Mountain City following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two actresses who now live in Tennessee rolled up their sleeves Thursday to serve alongside The Salvation Army in Mountain City following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
Alexa PenaVega is known for her work on the “Spy Kids” movie series, as well as multiple Hallmark films, while Taylor Dooley played one of the titular characters in “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.”
According to The Salvation Army, the stars felt a deep responsibility to help their fellow Tennesseans. After seeing the devastation across Johnson County firsthand, they joined The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team on Thursday, Oct. 10, bringing food, along with hope and encouragement, to survivors.
PenaVega has a long history of volunteering with The Salvation Army, including helping with their responses to Hurricane Ian in 2022 and the Maui fires in 2023. As a current Tennessee resident, she felt a strong connection to those impacted by Helene’s flooding.
“We wanted to be here. We are blessed to be here. Serving others is such an important part of our lives,” said PenaVega. “When you see the heartache and devastation, it’s hard not to jump in and help. These people have lost so much, and being able to give back, even a little, is a blessing.”
Dooley echoed PenaVega’s sentiments, feeling equally motivated to serve her adopted state.
“Moving to Tennessee has been a blessing for my family, and being part of a community means showing up when times are tough. We’re all neighbors, and neighbors take care of each other,” Dooley shared.
The Salvation Army said the actresses helped distribute more than 600 meals during a busy lunchtime service at the mobile feeding unit in Mountain City. This drive-through site was a lifeline for many in the area, and PenaVega and Dooley were front and center at the drive-through site to greet survivors, asking each family how many meals they needed and offering extra meals for neighbors who might not be able to leave their homes. In addition, they took the time to ask people how they were doing and pray with those who were struggling in the aftermath of the storm.
“It wasn’t just about handing out food,” said Dooley. “It was about letting these people know they’re not forgotten. It was powerful to hear their stories and pray with them.”
The duo also spent time with and offered words of encouragement to the Salvation Army disaster workers who have been tirelessly serving for the past two weeks. According to officials, the workers were deeply appreciative of their support as they continue to help thousands of families affected by the floodwaters.
While serving, PenaVega and Dooley met Ellen Watkins, the coordinator of the local distribution center that’s housed in a former Armory building. The Salvation Army said Watkins has been working nonstop since the storm hit, organizing the distribution of food, clothing, and other essentials while also recruiting volunteers through social media.
Despite her own home being flooded, Watkins’ focus has remained on the community, telling PenaVega, “These are my people. These are my family. We have to take care of them.” Officials said Watkins’ dedication deeply resonated with the actresses, underscoring the resilience and strength of the local community.
The Salvation Army said its disaster response operation in East Tennessee has served more than 30,000 meals and provided emotional and spiritual care to more than 1,800 survivors over the past two weeks: “These efforts are made possible by the generous support of donors and volunteers, who continue to make a difference for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.”
To support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts in East Tennessee, follow this link or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Every contribution helps provide meals, care, and hope to families in need.