I just got back from volunteering for 5 hours at our local shelter......which only became a shelter at noon yesterday.! Our tiny community took in 200 Superdome survivors. It would take me hours to relate all the stories that I heard. So, I'll just tell about a couple of them.
This morning, before mass, we were told that these people had arrived. All of the churches in town were taking turns sending 30 volunteers for a shift. Our turn was today til 5. We cooked lunch and did whatever was needed. My hubby and I ended up helping a family of 5. Mom, dad and 3 kids. Luis 10. Isabel 6. And Moses 4. They were in the SD from Sunday til Friday night. We wanted to get them whatever they needed that wasn't provided. Dad needed reading glasses, mom underwear and a bra. Kids needed socks and shoes. Thank you, Wal Mart!! It is brand new, here. And they have been wonderful.
Anyway, the 2 little boys have a rash, probably caused from the heat and filthy water. I was with the mom, getting them checked in at the medical area, and I asked her how long they thought they would have to stay here. She said they weren't going back and would probably stay here. The 10 year old heard this and said, "we aren't going back to America?" Bless his heart....he has no clue where they are. His mom told him they were in Texas.....where the president lives! He was soooo happy!
An eldely black woman, in a wheelchair, told us that when they got on the bus, some of the ones on there were complaining and causing trouble. She asked if anyone was going to take charge. Getting no answer, she took over! And order on the bus was restored! She is a very interesting lady. And can talk for hours! She has the most amazing life stories. And what did she want us to bring her from Wal Mart?? Fake nails! And red polish! Said she would feel so much better if she could just do her nails! LOL
Sorry this is so long.....and maybe not the thread to post it on.....forgive me, I just wanted to tell what it is like. :-)
Thank you for that, and please share more!
< Sorry this is so long.....and maybe not the thread to post it on.....forgive me, I just wanted to tell what it is like. :-) >
Don't apologize. This is wonderful.
This is the perfect place to post it- and I agree- share more!
Your story is so wonderful to read. Thank you for volunteering and for telling your story!
Sure like to hear more of HER stories. Not just "Katrina" ones, either.
Please continue to share your stories. I need to hear the good stuff once in awhile. I'm becoming frustrated with all the MSM bashing.
Beautiful Stories - Thank you so much for taking the time to share them! Very nice to hear.
Thank you for posting your experience at the shelter. I must admit that I am envious. I would love to volunteer at one of the shelters here for a few hours a week. I'm sure I'll get a chance once we have some gasoline.
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Thank you! Keep the stories coming.
Thank you very much for the stories and your service!
Your story is wonderful -- this is the kind of reporting we won't get anywhere else, the first-person stuff!
This is precisely why I kept saying earlier that, rather than making a donation to one of the large charities, I believed that it would be much better to get a small-denomination Wal-Mart gift card into the hands of these people. Cheaper to drop in the mail than a carton, too.
Each person's needs are different, something to make them feel whole again. A baby needs diapers, a mother needs feminine hygiene products, a grandparent needs medicine...and the intriguing lady you mentioned needed some press-on nails!
Keep us posted on your activities at the shelter!