In addition to the work crews helping their neighbors, several vendors in parking lots such as at the Market Basket in town were serving food and drink to passerbys.

For instance, Barbara Phillips with Valero said they have been serving links, hamburgers, ribs, boudain links, hot dogs, chips, water, power drinks and sodas all day. In fact, 2,500 links, 200 hot dogs, 40 pounds of ribs, 400 hamburgers and thousands of drinks were served.

“We’ve seen a steady stream of cars and it has gone really well. People are so touched by the gratitude in receiving a hot meal. One man said he’s been eating MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) for days,” Phillips said.

Valero employees and contractors have also been helping Bridge City residents dig out from Ike ever since it hit — three crews a day being sent out.

Mike Rohrbaugh, vice president of operations for Market Basket said their vendors such as Cajun Country Cookers of Beaumont, have partnered to support and assist Mid-County Kindness’ efforts with food and refreshments.

“We’re glad to be here. We served over 3,000 people today. We couldn’t had done this without them (Cajun Country Cookers),” he said.

Rohrbaugh added the Bridge City Market Basket is an empty shell presently and they will start over with the store as soon as possible.

Bruce Thompson, founder of Market Basket, said it’s a top priority with the company to rebuild the store and hope to have it completed in six months. He added because of the saltwater intrusion, refrigeration cases will have to be replaced and everything completely stripped down.

Insurance will be “a great help” according to Thompson, but it will not pay for everything.