The weather finally gave way to a partly cloudy sky to assist in the volunteer efforts of Heather Cherry, volunteers and friends. They were able to pack 2 semi trailers and had to borrow a trailer from the gracous host Michaels Motor Sports in South Reno Nevada.

It was a well thought out plan; get donations from the Reno and Carson City communities for clothing, toys, furniture and a few surprises. The outpouring from the Reno and Carson City communities was overwhelming at times as people lined up with trailers, pickups and even small cars packed to the gills, they all came to help out the Fernley flood victims.

I was able to chat with Heather about the relief efforts in the Fernley flood area briefly as she answered questions and directed the operation like a skilled surgeon. “These personal items will go directly to the most needed in a timely fashion” she had told me. She has been assessing the needs of homeowners since the flood started. I have to admit, I hardly recognized this healthy young go getter without mud from head to toe coming out of a dark muddy crawlspace.

She gives new meeting to the term “get her done” as she is responsive in a timely fashon to their most immediate needs. Her helpers and donors worked with team work as if they had done it daily.

There was a “isn’t that sweet” type of moment as a young girl around 8 years old had brought down her worldly life savings of dollar bills to donate. As Heather kneeled down to accept the donation, realizing that this little girl was donating everything she had saved, one by one, some tears of happiness started to flow from observers and volunteers.

This was a tremendous success and a way of keeping the flame alive for these Fernley flood victims. As with any disaster and or news events in general, interest decreases as needs actually increase.

As darkness began to fall and the packed semis were pulling out, I heard them mention they had yet another couch across town in a storage unit to cram into the extra trailer Michaels Motor Sports had lent them. The Fernley flood victims, Heather herself a victim, are lucky to have such determined individuals helping them out.

Thank You to all of the volunteers, Michaels Motor Sports and the Reno and Carson City community for pitching in to make this a success.

Ron

Filed under: UNCATEGORIZED