Hurricane Isaac Devistation

This was posted on my friend's facebook page. She is from Helena, MS which is a small town that hardly anyone knows was torn apart by Hurricane Isaac. After Katrina, the news media focuses mostly on New Orleans, not mentioning the other areas of the Gulf Coast that are affected by Hurricanes and Tropical Storms. The weather channel will tell you that all is well in New Orleans, but it doesn't mean that there aren't people out there who desperately need help.

Written by Debbie Waltman ...

I still can't believe the utter devastation due to flooding in our local community. I'm not sure most people who were not affected by the flooding even know how truly devastated the Helena, and surrounding areas was impacted. Yesterday the Red Cross came to Helena and served hot meals to people who haven't had hot meals since the storm. After serving over 100 meals, they ran out of food. The loc al ministry called Sisters also served hot meals when the Red Cross ran out. The sisters served over 500 hot meals! 500! And sat with these people and heart their heart breaking stories of how they can't cook because they've lost all appliances and are living out of Ice chests. Their homes are virtually uninhabitable. Many have lost everything. Most refuse to leave, some sleeping outdoors because they don't want to be looted. Children are being BOATED in to catch their school buses.

Here are some ways you can help your hurting neighbors:

• Get your church together to cook a hot meal one day.
• Donations of furniture, appliances (refrigerators, stoves, microwaves and other household items are needed.)
• Volunteer to do laundry for victims and pick up and return.
• Organize an after spot for kids to come hang out to do homework and get a snack. ( remember, what they're going home to. Can you imagine doing home work in that? And some have no air conditioning!)
• Some people are requesting camping tents and air mattresses because they won't leave but can't sleep indoors.
• Cleaning supplies are in big demand as are workers to help with clean up.
• Groceries that need no refrigeration. (one woman wept when she got a bag with Vienna sausages because she could feed her baby). Hand powered can openers. Paper goods. Water and other drinks.

If you can help with any of these needs, you may drop items off at the Helena community center to the sisters group. If you want to do more, talk to sisters about how specifically you want to help. Inbox Tiki Simmons or contact Darlene Whittington or BJ Broome — with BJ Broome and Darlene Whittington. (Also on facebook, but links were not given)

**PLEASE SHARE SO OTHERS CAN HELP TOO**