NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, along with representatives from the Salvation Army and FedEx, spent a rainy Thursday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., unloading appliances and furniture for the new home of war veteran Benjamin Torres-Ramos, whose previous house was destroyed in a massive tornado in April 2011.

Hamlin was working with the The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) -- a non-profit organization with a goal of building 20 homes in the Tuscaloosa area for storm victims -- and was there to raise awareness that work isn't done.

"Anything we can do to help make their lives easiers, that's why we're here," said Hamlin, who is in the state to race in Talladega this weekend. "We want to change the outlook for this area."

Hamlin, who already has two victories this season, said he's just honored that he's in a position to help others.

"We're always looking to make a run for the title," Hamlin said, "but it's always special when you can help someone else out in their time of need."