A Dublin bank is stepping up and helping people in the Florida Panhandle after Hurricane Michael devastated the area.
But the story of destruction hits home for one particular employee, literally.
Patrick Thames is committed to helping his hometown in Marianna, Florida. He's worked at the Bank of Dudley in Dublin for a decade.
"I've enjoyed living in Dublin, the whole time. It's been a great experience," Thames said.
He works as a commercial lender and the assistant vice president.
"I enjoy banking and serving the community and customers of Dublin," Thames said.
But Hurricane Michael turned his life upside down when the storm devastated his hometown.
"Most of [my] family is in Marianna, Florida where the hurricane just went through," Thames said.
The storm downed trees, power lines and caused Thames to rush down to Florida to get his grandfather out of his home after he was blocked in by trees.
Thames says help is on the way because he is hoping to bring relief to his hometown.
At the Bank of Dudley off of Veterans Boulevard, they are accepting donations for things like bleach and even water, and all of these things are going to be taken down to the Panhandle on Friday to give them some much-needed relief.
"That whole area is the place I grew up around," Thames said.
Thames is also accepting feminine hygiene products, batteries, and unopened toiletries. He added that the community response has been overwhelming.
"The people of Dublin and Laurens County, not only individuals, but businesses as well," Thames said.
Despite the mess Michael left, Thames says he is thankful his family weathered the storm.
"All of the family is safe and accounted for. Every one of them had damage of some sort, everything can be fixed; it's just going to take a long time," Thames said.
You can drop off items at the bank. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.