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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A city struggling to get clean drinking water is getting some help from Memphis leaders.

Mayor Jim Strickland announced Tuesday at a press conference, community leaders are sending 12,000 of bottles of water to Flint, Michigan.

Flint started having problems in 2014 when it switched its water source to the Flint River.

That water was contaminated with lead.

“I’ve watched and kept up with all the reports coming out of Flint from the  governor, particularly the mayor and her urgent, and in some instances I would say desperate, plea for assistance,” said Bernal Smith with the Tri-State Defender.

It was Smith who came up with the idea and called city leaders to see how they could combine forces and help the people of Flint.

“It was a no brainier. We have some of the greatest drinking water in the world, and Flint, Michigan, needs that, and here we are about to ship it to their city,” said Strickland.

“We are very proud that we can help Flint, Michigan, and will probably be helping them with water that’s probably better than they’ve ever tasted,” said Jerry Collins with Memphis Light Gas and Water.

Even though this water will only reach a fraction of Flint’s people, Smith is glad every little bit will help.

“Then when you watch the stories about the children, the children that are suffering, that have suffered damage to their nervous system, to their development, mentally and physically. I knew that Memphis having this great water that we’re known for that we should be able to respond to that need,” Smith said.

St. Andrew AME Church on South Parkway is also helping Flint residents.

The church is asking people to donate filters and drop them off at the church during church hours.