After loading up supplies, McGregor FFA members formed a caravan to distribute them to those in need. Photo courtesy of Scarlett Sprayberry.
When devastating floods hit Central Texas in July 2025, neighbors and strangers alike brought chainsaws and construction equipment to clear debris and collected supplies for residents who had lost everything. McGregor FFA members were among the strangers who showed up in a big way for those in need.
“We wanted to help because it’s been instilled in our hearts throughout our FFA journey that the most important thing is community,” says Chapter Sentinel Gracie Mettlen. “It all comes back to the last line in our FFA motto: ‘Living to serve.’”
A couple days after the floods hit, McGregor FFA advisors Scarlett and Tyler Sprayberry and chapter officers discussed ideas for how they could help, then made plans to hold a donation drive for victims. The officers had just returned from the 2025 Texas FFA State Convention, where they met fellow members from across the state, and were motivated to help their extended FFA family.
“It was our way of showing that even in the face of tragedy, we stand together,” Mettlen says.
Momentum Builds
McGregor FFA reached out to nearby chapters to see if they wanted to help with the donation efforts as well. Each interested chapter shared social media posts about its donation drive, which led to multiple local news interviews that helped spread the word.
“It was amazing to see how fast our idea grew and brought all these chapters together to serve those in need,” Scarlett Sprayberry says.
McGregor FFA members, advisors and parents gather to collect supplies for Texans affected by recent floods. Photo courtesy of Scarlett Sprayberry.
When the donation drives ended, McGregor FFA and eight additional chapters — Oglesby FFA, Midway FFA, Moody FFA, Crawford FFA, Valley Mills FFA, Evant FFA, Gatesville FFA and Rosebud Lotts FFA — had collected bottled water, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, diapers and wipes, animal supplies and gift cards. McGregor FFA delivered everything to Sandy Creek and Marble Falls, two of many impacted Texas communities.
“In total, we delivered two truck and trailer loads of supplies, as well as close to $20,000 in gift cards,” Tyler Sprayberry says.
Although McGregor FFA members didn’t set a specific goal for their donation drive and didn’t know what to expect, they were blown away by the response they received.
“We were surprised by the overwhelming amount of kindness and generosity that everyone gave to our fellow Texans,” says Chapter Treasurer Grayson Estepp. “It warmed our hearts to see so many people working together in support of the Hill Country.”
McGregor FFA members unload cars during donation drop-offs and sort supplies into categories. Photo courtesy of Scarlett Sprayberry.
A Team Effort
The Texas FFA Association also coordinated several statewide donation efforts. These included a school supplies drive spearheaded by the state officer team, an Amazon wish list that received more than 700 donations and several thousand dollars raised through Texas FFA Flood Relief T-shirt sales. Additionally, more than 40 chapters across the state organized local supply drives and gift card collections.
Stronger Together
Community is found at the heart of FFA. If you’re looking to make a positive, lasting difference, support members and chapters during their time of need.
