Friendly Faces Amid Illinois River Flooding
Friday, September 25, 2009In September 2008, communities along the Illinois River suffered the worst flooding in years. A few months later the river again overflowed its banks — this time with a vengeance. ...
On March 14, 2009, the water measured around 28 feet in Peoria, the fourth-highest crest ever recorded.
For the people who live, work and play along the river, flooding is an accepted hazard. In fact, some such residents were better prepared for spring’s inundation because fall’s flood was still fresh in their minds.
Nonetheless, when the river rose Red Cross volunteers were there to offer support. Over about a week’s time, the Red Cross served more than 2,000 meals and snacks. Volunteer Carolyn Hughes, who helped oversee feeding, said offering hot and hearty food — such as stew and chili mac — is vital.
“We want to offer foods that are sturdy in the stomach ... because people will be out there working.”
So, too, were volunteers ready for a large relief effort, having helped amid fall’s flood.
Fortunately, March’s higher crest wasn’t as damaging as it could have been. Still, “when it affects your own house and your own basement, it doesn’t matter how widespread it is. The disaster is right there,” said volunteer Cathy Harris.
Indeed, flooding is a very personal disaster. That’s why volunteers talked directly with residents, offering kind words, refreshments, and encouragement.
That’s also why volunteers offered free flood cleanup kits. Armed with items supplied by the Red Cross and Salvation Army — brushes, buckets, mops, face masks, garbage bags — river residents began working hard at getting back to normal, knowing that they can count on local Red Cross volunteers when the waters encroach.
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