NC desperate

[Guest guest]

I don't know how many of you have been watching the news regarding the

massive devastation on our state coast, but North Carolina has suffered it's

worse natural disaster ever. That says a lot considering this state is now

called the hurricane capital. The need for help is as never before.

I'm sure most of you have heard of Hurricane Floyd by now and may have even

suffered some of it's effects, however if you are reading this email, it is

unlikely that you have lost everything to the after affects of this hurricane.

There has been widespread significant flooding causing huge portion of our

coast and even further inland to be absolutely destroyed. I'm not sure if

you can imagine the magnitude of what absolute devastation means. There are

folks who STILL cannot return home because their property is STILL flooded.

Return home for what though? There is no safe water to drink, sewage floats

in the streets, there is animal waste everywhere, and don't forget the dead

carcasses of MANY animals. Pig, Cow, Turkey farms are out of business. The

smell requires that if you do get to go back home to assess the damage, you

may have to wear isolation mask. Dead fish and everything else in the waters

is left behind as the waters recede.

At one point in some areas, the water was rising over THREE FEET an hour.

Many barely escaped with their lives and the clothes on their backs. Well,

over 40 did not escape.

Caskets have been flooded up out of the ground. People have nothing. Most

of the stores are ruined. So even if you have the means to get a some funds,

where will you go to purchase? Many don't even have a vehicle.

As if this was not enough, we now are in the middle of lots more rain.

Rivers that were receding are rising again. There has been 6-8 inches of

rain added and it is still raining. As I listen to the thunder and the rain

pouring down outside my own window, it makes me want to cry. When I watch

the news, I do cry.

Some of you may have forgotten NC and it's devastation. It isn't the top

national story now. It is still the top story here in NC, however. Right

now one of the efforts underway is to get all of the homeless into RV's.

Some will live in them for quite a while.

If you have been wondering what you can do to help but don't know what to do,

I have listed the number to the Red Cross. They are taking money donations

only and that is the best way for most of you to help considering the

distance of some of you. Here in NC we are having massive donation efforts of

water, food, toiletry items, baby needs, pet needs, clothes, etc. This is

only the beginning of what will be needed. They need everything. What we

are doing here in our state is not near enough.

If you can only spare $5.00, then please share. Tell the Red Cross that you

want your donation to go to the Hurricane Floyd victims in NC. Your help

will be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Cheri

Red Cross

*Financial donations

1(800) HELP-NOW