|
|
On Thursday, March 14, Robert Todd from Bassett Baxter Post 789 visited
one of the Social Studies classes to share with them what it required to help
those who had been left homeless by the March 2 fire. Mr. Todd related how
the Legion had contacted the American Red Cross after the ice storm of 1999
that left many people without power, heat or food for an extended period of
time. They had then decided that Carthage needed a designated Shelter because
it had taken three days to open and set up the National Guard Armory. The
Legion took out a loan, remodeled two handicapped bathrooms, purchased cots
and blankets and other necessities. It took about two years to get things
set.
|
|
|
Mr. Todd came in to talk to our class about how he
called the Red Cross after the Ice Storm. He said that he thought they
needed something in case of big problems like that again. He was really happy that they had
gotten it ready when the fire happened on March 2. He got a phone call at 6:50 a.m.
and was able to open the shelter by 7:15. That is fast!!
They had coffee ready really soon.
|
|
|
|
Mr. Todd told us that one thing he saw happen at
the shelter was that people came there to try to find other people. During the fire people got
separated and needed a place to meet.
When you came in to the shelter you had to register, that way people
could tell who was there and then look for them.
|
|
|
|
In two days, they served 720 meals. The Red Cross brought supplies but many
people also brought food, and supplies and everyone just wanted to
help. Mr. Todd says it is a
very satisfying feeling and he will keep doing things to help. He said they keep 60 cots upstairs
in the legion and they set up 20 right away so people fr0om the fire would
have a place to sit and to rest.
No body had to pay, the Legion and the Red Cross will raise money
later to pay for helping all the people.
|
|
|