Friday, January 30, 2009

Power's back on, time to help out

Late Thursday night, our power was restored. Hopefully, folks still without power won't have to wait much longer. Our power was off for 2 days, but luckily we have a fireplace, gas stove, and a small generator that made the 2 days a little easier to bear. We also have many blankets and plenty of cold weather camping gear and clothes. Unfortunately, many folks out there don't have the ability to keep themselves warm. Since our power was back on, my wife really wanted to help those folks who haven't been so lucky. She is such a thoughtful person, and I am really lucky to have such a positive influence in my life. So, after calling the Red Cross, we found out there was a second shelter opening in Fayetteville at the United Methodist Church on Dickson Street, and they were needing help getting the shelter ready to open. We met at the church and began helping them get the shelter open. There were several different groups represented including Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, Red Cross, University of Arkansas, and Fayetteville citizens. Here are a few pictures.

The University of Arkansas provided cots and bedding for the shelter, which meant that cots in route from Little Rock Red Cross could be diverted to other shelters. Many thanks to the University students and staff that helped get these cots available, get them loaded at the University, and unloaded at the church.

Getting ready to unload cots at the United Methodist Church on Dickson Street. Big thanks to the Red Cross, Fayetteville Park and Recreation, and the church for opening this shelter! Please visit the Red Cross website for more information on volunteering.

No comments: