Getting stranded in a blizzard can be a nightmare, especially for those not prepared for an extended shutdown. Luckily for the drivers stuck in the blizzard around Dickenson, North Dakota, a family stepped up to bring hot food out to several dozen trucks.
According to The Dickenson Press, the Betlaf family is well known in Dickenson. They own a large farming operation, Betlaf Farms, and a home decor and farm fencing business, Jon’s Home Comforts Inc.
During the blizzard that swept through Dec.16, Jon Betlaf, along with his wife Lynn, son Brady Betlaf and co-worker, Colton Walters, went out to feed the stranded truckers at the local truck stops and parking lots wherever drivers could find solid parking.
They loaded up a Chevy Suburban with all the food and supplies they could and went out into the sub-zero temperatures to check on the truckers.
“We had our suburban full of food in to-go boxes and just opened up our hatch and started walking around knocking on doors. We just knocked on doors and asked if they wanted food and water. Quite a few people were more than eager to take food. Some of them said that I have food, just give it to other people who need it. So we’d pass on down the line.”
Jon Betlaf in an interview with The Dickenson Press
Betlaf called upon local businesses to secure donations to make the meals for the drivers. Potato chips were donated by Braun Distributing. Cash Wise helped with buns and desserts. The Wurst Shop gave some sausage, added to that the family farm had on hand. Peterbilt of Dickenson gave cases of bottled water.
In total, 145 meals were delivered to truckers. Some truckers politely refused the meals, saying that they were ok and to pass the plate on to the next truck.
This gesture of goodwill might have saved some lives that day. Just checking on truckers and making sure they are alive, warm, and with food and drink is something that helps prevent the needless loss of life during a natural disaster or state of emergency.
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