September 2, 2005
Some people have seen the devastation first hand. A pastor from Calvary Chapel in Charlottesville rented a truck and drove to Ocean Springs, Mississippi last week. They dropped off 300 cases of water at a shelter that had earlier run out. From there, the local police sent them to a parking lot to set up the rest of their supply.
"We put up a banner that said 'free water' and by the time the banner was up, just in a matter of 30 seconds, the whole parking lot was gridlocked. We probably, in a matter of 20 minutes, 30 minutes, [we] gave out 200 cases of water to 200 different families," said Chad Myhre.
Calvary Chapel is making another trip on Thursday September 8. They have been asked to collect items such as powdered milk, baby formula, diapers, bug repellent, flashlights, first aid supplies, toothbrushes and soap.
These items can be dropped off at the Calvary Chapel on 1195 5th Street S.W. by Wednesday Sept. 7.
Keller and Williams Realty offered free sandwiches in exchange for donations. Already they have raised over four thousand dollars.
Countless fundraisers are taking shape across the region, including one spearheaded by an eleven-year-old.
"I want to fill a tractor trailer up with stuff for the children like diapers, wipes, little stuffed animals, some old books," said Dakotah Spencer.
The 6th grader hopes to completely fill up a donated tractor trailer that will be driven to the hardest hit areas.
