The Character and Face of Katrina

Our mission…. To provide relief to hurricane victims who need it the most, is complete. We accomplished the mission by filling a semi-truck with meaningful supplies for those that had nothing left. Everything all came together on 9/13/05, when we joined forces with North Lake School. Between 9/13 and 9/16, we collected over $32,000; purchased needed items, packed in boxes; and loaded the semi trailer. Monday, 9/19 at 5:00am we were on our way to Jackson, Mississippi. Tuesday 9/20 at 5:00am we traveled to our final destination to rendezvous with the semi in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

When we arrived in Bay St. Louis, we found exactly what we wanted: A relief center that was run only by local people. They were running low on supplies, but by the time we unloaded the semi, there was only one narrow aisle in the store. The supplies we delivered made an incredible impact on the relief center and the people they served. The most gratifying experience we had was personally serving the people that came into the center for help. It was heartbreaking when we asked what they needed. The answer, all too often, was “everything.” We were pleased that we had brought the supplies for almost everything they asked for. Three weeks after Katrina hit, the lucky ones were living in a tent on their own lot.

The Making of the Relief Effort

I give credit to Beth (our contact in Mississippi, and a volunteer for the Brett Favre Forward Foundation) as she called several times to let us know the most needed items. There were many “thank you’s” and tears as we filled their vehicles with the items so desperately needed. Being able to take care of our fellow Americans in need, touched all of our hearts and theirs as well.

The term “hero” is used many times in tragedies such as this. The REAL heroes are the firefighters from New Hampshire and North Dakota who volunteered to help at the relief center. The “saints” are the two local women, Trisha and Jessica, who volunteered to run the center. We worked hard for 4 ½ hours in 97 degree heat unloading and unpacking the truck. After that, we left to go home. Trisha & Jessica are going to do this again tomorrow, and the next day and the next….. THEY are the heroes.

I would like to express my heartfelt THANKS to all of those people that helped through financial contributions, contributions of goods, or services, and also those who helped pack boxes and load the truck. We couldn’t have accomplished the mission without each of you!

Jon & Pam Reiss
Countryside Insurance

Mark Helfrich
Badger Insurance

The Devastation of Katrina