When a natural disaster strikes, a community’s true colors can really show.

As the waters of area lakes and rivers continue to rise, Tony Guerra said Borderland has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Guerra has been in International Falls for the past several days leading an on-the-ground effort with the American Red Cross, helping those impacted by the flood.

“Neighbors are helping neighbors,” he said. “I really get the feel of community up here.”

Red Cross vehicles pulled into town over the weekend providing assistance and delivering food to those in need.

“We’re not only offering physical help, but mental help, too,” Guerra said. “We are seeing a lot of anxiety. Folks are worried.”

Volunteers are nearly working around the clock filling sandbags at City Beach and stacking them at homes and businesses impacted by rapidly rising waters.

“It’s hard work,” said Beverly Mayfield, envoy of the local Salvation Army. “We need to make sure we keep these people fed.”

Starting around 6 a.m. each morning, Mayfield said Salvation Army volunteers prepare meals three times a day at City Beach to hand out to volunteers or have the Red Cross deliver to outer areas.

“During a disaster like this, this is when we come in and serve meals,” she said. “There is a need out there.”

Volunteers have shown their dedication and sometimes need to be reminded to take advantage of relief efforts offered by the two agencies.

As the sun beat down Monday morning, a machine that fills 12 sandbags at once was temporarily shut off to allow volunteers to take a break. Still, as soon as power was cut to the machine, people grabbed shovels and began filling the bags by hand.

“We just can’t stop,” one volunteer said as he carried a roughly 40-pound bag of sand to be hauled away.

“If they don’t eat and don’t drink, they’re not going to be out there for very long,” Mayfield said of volunteers.

Guerra agreed.

“They just work, work, work,” he said. “The help is constant.”

Local officials expect water levels will continue to rise and Guerra assured the community the Red Cross will stay as long as its needed.

“We’re here until it’s over,” he said. “We won’t leave until we’re no longer needed.”

Both Mayfield and Guerra extended their thanks to volunteers as well as local businesses that have donated food to relief efforts.

“It’s all so amazing to see everyone come together,” Mayfield said.