Back to the Disaster Relief Center September 6, 2005
With donations in hand I headed back to the Kelly USA Disaster Relief Center this afternoon after getting some business attended to in the morning. I felt refreshed and ready to tackle whatever came my way. The Red Cross is well organized—sign in lists—sign out lists—locations to be staffed and with how many volunteers on a white board. They offered the children’s room or linens. I’m a coward, I took linens. I couldn’t even talk with the adults without tearing up; I’d never be able to handle the children.
The Center had about a third more people than it had when I left on Friday. People seemed to have settled in as much as possible with cots, sheets, pillows, and blankets. I was surprised the linen room was so busy. There were never enough blankets for all who wanted them. Pillows ran out before everyone had one. Most people were orderly and grateful, though a few were greedy.
One man who came in was a World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Veteran. He was looking for the housing office, which was farther down the hall. He should have been given an escort after all he’s been through! Volunteers will be needed for a long time.
I’ll probably go back and suggest that you, too, find out how you can help.
