If you're like us and are having trouble finding ways to pitch in, here's what we've done with astounding results thus far...
Go to your local/neighborhood hotel and ask how many evacuees are staying there. Ask the desk to collect info on total number of people, number of children and things they need. Put the word out on what is needed and work to arrange groups in the community to provide meals for these people.
We came up with this idea in our small town yesterday morning around 10:00 am. By noon we had lunch being served at the hotel, supplies on the way, the American Legion Hall donated to serve dinners for as long as we need, dinner that night promised by a local restaurant, and dinners and lunches spoken for for almost the entire upcoming week. We've since arranged an emergency dentist consultation, are working on a cost free doctor visit and have a community event planned for our guests complete with high school band, miniature horses and bounce houses. We are also expecting at least 3 trucks full of supplies from as far away as New Jersey.
Here's the thing.... all it took was a few phone calls and a Facebook events page.
So many people are willing to help out there, but just need the direction. I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it's been seeing everyone come together. We had almost as many volunteers at dinner last night as we had guests. And the people have been so gracious it gets me choked up thinking about it. Every single one of them that is able has volunteered to help with various operations and are extremely happy just to be able to get out of the hotel and, most of all, to feel welcome in their temporary community.
Anyway, I know I got a little long winded - but after the response/success we've had with this here - I couldn't help but think about all of the others stranded in surrounding communities like ours. If any of you need guidance getting some like this started just shoot me a pm.
Go to your local/neighborhood hotel and ask how many evacuees are staying there. Ask the desk to collect info on total number of people, number of children and things they need. Put the word out on what is needed and work to arrange groups in the community to provide meals for these people.
We came up with this idea in our small town yesterday morning around 10:00 am. By noon we had lunch being served at the hotel, supplies on the way, the American Legion Hall donated to serve dinners for as long as we need, dinner that night promised by a local restaurant, and dinners and lunches spoken for for almost the entire upcoming week. We've since arranged an emergency dentist consultation, are working on a cost free doctor visit and have a community event planned for our guests complete with high school band, miniature horses and bounce houses. We are also expecting at least 3 trucks full of supplies from as far away as New Jersey.
Here's the thing.... all it took was a few phone calls and a Facebook events page.
So many people are willing to help out there, but just need the direction. I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it's been seeing everyone come together. We had almost as many volunteers at dinner last night as we had guests. And the people have been so gracious it gets me choked up thinking about it. Every single one of them that is able has volunteered to help with various operations and are extremely happy just to be able to get out of the hotel and, most of all, to feel welcome in their temporary community.
Anyway, I know I got a little long winded - but after the response/success we've had with this here - I couldn't help but think about all of the others stranded in surrounding communities like ours. If any of you need guidance getting some like this started just shoot me a pm.