A month ago, over 20 pallets of water were sent from Jefferson City to Flint, Michigan, in an effort to help that community get clean drinking water.
But the effort didn't stop there.
Eight pallets of water collected still need to get to Flint.
Tyrone Coleman led the effort and said student organizations at Lincoln University volunteered to bring awareness by researching, educating and leading other students and the community to understand a broader scope of what is occurring in Flint.
"I lived in Flint when I was younger, and it wasn't until after I began working on the project that I found out I still have family there," he said. "My motivation to do this is my character and values in life. It's a reflection on the civilian sector, as I do the same service in uniform as a reserve officer in the United States Army."
For more than a month, the "MO to MI Water Drive" collected financial contributions along with bottles, gallons and cases of water.
Organizers initially thought the collections would only last for a week, but due to a large outpouring of support, the collections started at the end of January and didn't conclude until the end of February.
Coleman said they had help from people in Tennessee, Fort Leonard Wood and throughout Jefferson City.
Flint has been dealing with high levels of poisonous lead in its water for two years, but the issue only made headlines nationally after the first of the year.
It started in April 2014. In an effort to save money, Flint began drawing its water from the Flint River instead of relying on water from Detroit.
The move was considered temporary while the city waited to connect to a new regional water system. Residents immediately complained about the smell, taste and appearance of the water. They also raised health concerns, reporting rashes, hair loss and other problems.
In January, Michigan health officials reported an increase in Legionnaires' disease cases during periods over the past two years in the county that includes Flint.
Coleman said they are planning a follow-up visit to drop off the remaining water and speak with the community.
Those wanting to assist in the effort can send an email to [email protected].
Updates will be posted at livethebe3.org.