President Trump on Friday signed Bibles for people affected by a string of deadly storms that ripped through Alabama.

The president made the gesture while visiting a Baptist church in Opelika, Ala., that is serving as a disaster relief center.

Local volunteer Ada Ingram told reporters that Trump signed several hats and Bibles, including one for a 12-year-old boy, an action which drew applause from people who came to see Trump.

"I enjoyed him coming," said Ingram, who said she voted for Trump and would again in 2020. "I think it's a godsend. I'm sorry. The situation is bad. And there are going to be people who will say 'why did he come to my town?' I don't know why. I don't why the hurricane happened [either]. But there is a reason."

The president and first lady Melania Trump spent much of the day touring areas in Lee County, Ala., that were damaged by the tornadoes, which killed 23 people including several children, and meeting with victims.

Trump signed an emergency disaster declaration earlier this week authorizing federal aid for the area.