ADKINS, Texas -- Texas towns surrounding Sutherland Springs may be grappled with grief, but many residents are turning adversity into action.

Smokin' Angels BBQ Ministry used the power of Texas comfort food to nourish hungry stomachs and heavy hearts. 

“Born and raised in Texas, I have yet to see one person eat a good barbecue plate and not smile. When a community is hurting and when a community is in need, they eat good barbecue and they start remembering the things with their families and the good times and they focus on the positives," said Michael Ritch, one of the founders of the group.

Smokin' Angels BBQ Ministry hosted a fundraiser at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Adkins. Residents there have been grieving about what happened in at the First Baptist Church.

“We’re only 15 miles away," said Rosie Rich of St. Mark Luther Church. "The babies, we have babies. I have grandchildren, the mothers, the kids that are left alone, we have to help them."

Volunteers who hailed from all over the state prepared thousands of pounds of meat. Each plate with all of the fixings cost $10. Donations went directly to families of the victims and the church. Hundreds waited on line to grab a plate. 

“I’ve never seen a turnout of this magnitude out here," said Lucy Roser, an Adkin resident. "It’s just really inspiring.”

“I’ve talk to some people, they’re not even from here, they’re from out of state," said Maria Niño, a Seguin resident. "I know that the communities are getting together.”

Whether it was to give away some money or some time, organizers said every gesture counts. 

“Helping remind that people when they go through bad things, they’re never alone, that they have friends and family and they have a community to lean back on, if there were such a thing as a silver lining for an event like that, that’s what it would be,” said Michael Ritch.

Smokin' Angels BBQ Ministry started putting together fundraisers after Hurricane Harvey. Their next benefit for Sutherland Springs will be during the holidays.