ASHBURN — When William Fleshman saw the television images of the color of the drinking water in Flint, Mich., he knew he had to get involved in some way.
"I was heartbroken. I was thinking of the adverse effects that type of water could have on the people and the children," said Fleshman, a Chicago-area pastor. "I immediately knew as a clergy member that we needed to do something to reach out to that community."
Members of local clergy and representatives of Ultra Foods met Monday morning at the grocery retailer's Ashburn location at 3259 W. 87th St. to announce that 1,500 cases of bottled water are scheduled to be donated to the Michigan city.
The plan is for the water is for it to be driven to Flint on Tuesday to help with the city's lead-contamination crisis.
Rev. Anthony Williams of the human rights organization "The Millennium Project" said once he and his colleagues in the clergy decided on what to do, they reached out to Ultra Foods in order to secure to resources needed.
"This is a serious environmental issue. We wanted to reach out to corporations. These are our neighbors. Michigan is our neighbors," Williams said. "I'm honored to come to the aid of a neighbor."
Ashleigh Marlow, Ultra's spokeswoman, echoed Williams' sentiments on finding a way to help a community in crisis.
Centrella Foods, a vendor for Ultra, donated the cases of water.
"The pastors reached to our CEO [Ken Diehl] and asked 'what can we do to help out in Flint?' We were able to make phone calls and send emails," Marlow said. "We were able to secure 1,500 cases of bottled water. We're working out the details on how it's going to get up there."
Williams said he and the other pastors reached out to Rev. Al Harris Sr of Saints of God Church in Flint. He says Ultra's involvement shows that corporate America can have a solid relationship with the communities they set up shop in.
"They didn't have to do this but they did," Williams said. "A lot of people look at corporate America with a cynical eye. This corporation stepped up to the plate."
Harris was appreciative of Williams' efforts.
"We're happy and we're overwhelmed," Harris said. "I'm very appreciate of Anthony Williams for helping us out in this crisis we find ourselves in."
Harris, who is also the president of Concerned Pastors for Social Action, said the cases of water will be kept in a storage facility that will be monitored by the church.
"We're happy for the love Flint has gotten. The water will go to the people who need it most," Harris said. "However, we know that FEMA can only do so much."
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