Ike's Indiana Aftermath, five

This long narrative is to point out the failings in some small counties, including my own, with hope of resolution in the future. But, if lessons have not been learned, by existing infrastructure, I am afraid we are doomed to repeat the past.

Friday, I finally located the Red Cross Director. I gave her my list, picked up the 144 "heater meals" and spent the day, delivering them. I was interested to see, that with all of the people going without, very few of these meals had been distributed, at that point in time. Cases WERE given to the Fire Departments later that day. Some were given to the pantries, but not enough.
Saturday, I delivered food and safety information that the United Way of Crawford County had gotten together, including $200 worth from one of the cash donors.
Monday, September 22nd. Life is getting back to normal, people are assessing damage. Those that know, are reporting said damage to the IN Department of Homeland Security, many have no idea. Our EMA is certain that everything is running well. It is not.
My co-worker and I, are receiving calls from our libraries and some other locations. Working poor families are out of food and do not know where to go for help. Pay checks are a few days, to a week away. We decide to take the other promissory donor up on his offer of $500 for food. We then begin making plans for distribution to these working poor families. Even though we worked as fast as things can go, on spur of the moment, it took until Thursday afternoon to get the cash. Friday, three of us purchased food and dropped it off at a central location. Saturday, United Way volunteers and a couple of community service folks, handed the food out. 10 pounds of nutrient rich food per family. We served 50 families, by the end of the weekend. With NO advertisement. Life is back to normal...more or less.