Last night my father-in-law called from a badly flooded area of our state saying that he, many towns people and inmates were sandbagging over the last few days. Tons of sandbags, food and water were donated, but nobody thought to donate sanitation supplies, so the people could clean their hands before they eat and clean up the water mess. There are high levels of e-coli in the flood water right now. Anyway, my father-in-law asked my husband and I to please gather/buy some supplies and drop them off later today. I dragged my kids out to many different stores first thing this morning to get the supplies. I asked my parents for a favor to help me to get into Sam's (I'm not a member), so my parents helped me and were late for a meeting to do it. I also had to make an unplanned stop at another store to use their bathroom. We bought a whole bunch of supplies and came home (many tantrums later). When I got home there was a message on my answering machine from my father-in-law saying that sanitation supplies were not needed at the moment because all the work crew/sandbagging is done for now. Then, I get an e-mail from my husband letting me know that the supplies are not needed because my husband's company donated tons of cleaning/sanitation supplies that would be distributed today. Ugh! I'm sure there are others out there that will need these supplies. I just don't know where to go with these items. My husband suggests taking it all back to the stores. Well, I'm not doing that today...not after two hours of shopping with the kids griping and whining. Why is it when I try to help with something it doesn't work out? I feel so helpless watching all of these people's homes wash away and I want to do something, but I don't know what. My parents were able to help serve food to sandbagging volunteers yesterday and my father-in-law has been sandbagging. My husband and I feel that we should be helping out too. I guess, I should be thankful that our house is on high ground and not near a river. Anyway, if you read this far, thank you! I think I'm going to make myself a cup of coffee and relax for a minute.
Good idea to have a cuppa coffee... (((hugs))) Don't let the fact that it didn't work out sour you to helping in the future. You were doing good. We don't know what will happen in the next moments of our lives, what you were doing in getting supplies could have been the biggest blessing to those folks. It is a sad thing happening with all the flooding. The supplies may be needed when the folks are cleaning up after the flood waters go down. If you do take the supplies there bring along some stickers and a stuffed animal or two for any children who lost because of the flood... (((hugs)))
Nope, you win the prize for a bad morning!!! Have you thought about taking it to the red cross? They will be able to get it to areas that need id! Hope it gets better
Ditto the Red Cross idea. Your kindness, selflessness and generosity was rewarded when you had a good feeling inside when you were shopping for those less fortunate than you. You are doing a lot, getting involved. Your items may not be needed at the moment but still may be needed. God bless you!
Thank you ladies for the supportive words and the encouragement!!! I needed that! I think I will contact the red cross shelter to see if these supplies are needed. Have a good day everyone!
