Katrina Story: Jeane

If you are here for the Been There Clearinghouse, please visit our new site: www.beenthereclearinghouse.com.

Wait until you read this … it’s going to blow you away. It certainly did us.

On September 1, Jeane left this comment on the Been There Clearinghouse:

We are planning to take as much stuff as we can fit in two vans and a trailer to MS or LA. Baby formula, baby food, diapers, OTC meds, school supplies, sports drinks, etc. Leaving Illinois on Friday night. Any suggestions for shelters or churches or neighborhoods full of refugees that may not be getting all they need from relief agencies who have to focus on the large urban areas? We would like to get this stuff directly into the hands of those who need it ASAP.
Thanks, Jeane

We responded by saying:

Oh you are so exceedingly generous. We are moved to tears at this moment.

We just posted a note in the comment section of our blog regarding a shelter in Louisiana. I imagine you could also call the Mayor's office listed there and ask for other shelters in the neighboring area.Likewise, if you learn of other shelters that have specific needs, please let us know on the blog and we'll get the word out.Thanks very much for posting, and best of luck this weekend. You are on a mission of mercy.

And here’s what we got back from Jeane today!

Emily and Cooper,

I need to give you the most amazing update. Thursday I posted a query about where to go with some supplies. My brothers were going to take a couple of loaded vans to LA. We didn't think that we had enough diapers and formula so my sister sent an email at 11 PM to about ten friends telling them what we were doing. At 9 AM on Friday morning some of our friends showed up with some supplies for us to add to ours for the trip.

Very soon after, strangers started arriving. We were a little confused until someone told us that our small email had been forwarded to WGN radio and they read it on the air. It never stopped all day! There was a constant stream of people arriving with an unbelievable amount of donations. My sister’s entire front yard was just covered. I was contacted by a pharmacy owner in Reedsburg,WI wanting to donate medical supplies. Her husband flew them to Milwaukee in a small plane and my brother picked them up at the airport. First we changed plans and got a UHaul in Chicago and one in Milwaukee for our brothers up there. But it still didn't stop and we couldn't bear to turn people away.

Click below to read more of Jeane's story.

We were just one family, complete amateurs and really got an education in logistics on Friday. God Bless our neighbors and friends. Eventually so many donations came in we were in a panic. I was calling all over Louisiana trying to find someone who could accept this much stuff while others were trying to figure out how we were going to transport it. Finally, my brother in law found an amazing trucking company in our area. They have donated a 53 foot semi truck, 2 drivers, and all the fuel for the truck. Can you believe it!

They even helped us get the proper FEMA paperwork allowing the truck to get fuel because it is carrying relief supplies. Apparently, FEMA is saving the fuel for relief efforts and you have a letter from them to get more than 50 gallons a day.

Some people who came to donate stayed to help as it became apparent that we two moms with little ones running around were suddenly in way over our heads. Some stayed all day sorting and boxing donations. We weren't prepared at all for this. Suddenly others began arriving with boxes and packing tape and markers they purchased themselves when the need became obvious. Others brought snacks and juice for the mob of kids and soft drinks and beer for the grown ups. We bought a pile of pizzas and kept on working. At 8PM the truck arrived and the great impromptu volunteers loaded the truck in record time. The local NBC news did a live feed from the back of the truck during the 10 PM news and interviewed me and my sister. Watching the newscast a little later on TIVO we could only laugh because we both look completely stunned. Around 11PM the Milwaukee caravan arrived with their UHaul truck and SUVs fully loaded.

During the late afternoon, I was contacted by the town of Rayville, LA. The sheriff of Rayville and two local officials conference called me to explain their situation and ask our help. Raysville is in northern Louisiana and has as many as 2000 refugees in their parish and the two neighboring parishes. They are not receiving any aid from the Red Cross or the government as these agencies are concentrating on urban areas in the south. The local people cannot provide for all these people alone! They explained to me that they are not a registered charity, but instead a community group trying to help its people help those who fled the disaster with only what they could carry. They said they were going to split the supplies between three parishes housing as many as 2000 refugees.

Well this was great as far as we were concerned. The whole point in the beginning was to get supplies directly into peoples hands ASAP. The "charities" were not doing a great job in my view. The sheriff gave me his cell phone number in addition to the number to the sheriffs department so we could stay in contact. I am telling you I could literally hear their gratitude through the phone. He called again this morning and I could happily tell him the trucks and SUVs left this morning at 8AM. The guys will call when they are getting close and the sheriff has people ready and waiting to unload all the goodies. I explained that they may be arriving as late as midnight and he said they will be ready and waiting.

This experience was amazing! I am still just stunned by the response. We were one family trying to help in a small way even though the "official" disaster relief people kept saying over and over that we should just stay home and send money. The Red Cross won't even accept any goods collected in local collection drives - only cash, cash, cash. What we discovered is that people all over are just dying to help and frustrated by the discouragement given by the government and the big relief agencies. We are watching people die on TV while the official people can do nothing to help. Imagine what it is like for the poor outlying areas housing large numbers of refugees with no help from the relief agencies at all.

I didn't mean this to go on so long but I am so proud of everyone who helped. You should have seen the kids! Every child over the age of say 7 or 8 worked from when school let out until the truck was loaded. They packed and sorted. They hauled boxes and packages around. They volunteered to babysit the small ones. No complaints, no fighting. They see the images on TV and hear the stories of disaster. They really want to help too.

I don't want to sound like I'm tooting my horn. I just thought you might be interested in our adventure. Maybe this story will encourage others to keep up the good fight to help those in need. This clearinghouse is a wonderful idea to get things to those who are in need.

Thank you and God Bless!

Jeane Pesci
Illinois

Please be sure to read the comment from Kacey below, it makes this letter from Jeane even more moving and incredible.

As the 53 foot semi truck was about to arrive in Rayville, Louisiana filled with Jeane’s huge amount of supplies, we received this email from her:

The guys called from the road an hour or so ago. They are in contact with the sheriff in Rayville. The sheriff and state troopers will be meeting them to escort them into the area. They will be arriving about midnight tonight. This whole adventure has to have been at God's own direction. Finding Rayville in the first place was sort of accidental. But Sheriff Joe Seymour told my brothers that 1,800 more evacuees were airlifted into Monroe county today.

They are just desperate. They are even out of basic medical supplies - so isn't it weird that Gina the pharmacist donated all those medicines? I know that our truck won't be enough but maybe it can help until more stuff can be shipped in.

I'm not sure exactly what the plan is because the guys are having trouble getting cell phone coverage. The address they gave us for the drop off is 708 Julia Street in Rayville. Hope this helps! Jeane

PS - An Internet rock star? Oh please! I'm just a working mother of four who cannot imagine the pain of being homeless with nothing to feed my kids or clean up my baby. (But I did get to be interviewed on the 10 o'clock news! LOL)

The story continued in the next email:

The guys arrived about midnight and the truck arrived early this morning. They are unloading, organizing and the guys are ferrying supplies out to the evacuees in the small shelters. Many of the evacuees airlifted in yesterday were wounded and much of the medical supplies have been driven over to the center treating the wounded.The guys (Bill, Dan, Brendan, Miles, Ryan, and another Brendan) have told us of the devastation they have seen. Even hundreds of miles inland the high winds of the hurricane and the tornados it spawned have done large amounts of damage far from the coastline. The last place they found gas at a gas station was north of Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson itself was out of gas when they got there. Careful planning will be required of anyone else who wants to bring in supplies.

My suggestion to all wanting to help finding out who needs help is to find the phone numbers of the state troopers and the local law enforcement in all they areas of northern Louisiana and Mississippi. Just call the local communites and see what they need.

Thank you, Jeane, for keeping us abreast. We're all inspired by what you and your family and friends have done.

Please note: While this story is very moving, we are hearing from others about significant logistical complications related to doing something like this on one's own.

Comments

[Danigirl]

I could barely get to the end of this post, so blurry were my eyes with tears.

Bravo to all of you. Bravo bravo bravo...

[Imperfect Mommy]

Unbelievable. When I see the power of ordinary people with social networks, I have just a little bit more faith that we can make things better. Next, we have to demand reform from our government.

[lu]

Wow, that is just amazing!

"Maybe this story will encourage others to keep up the good fight to help those in need."

Indeed.

Thank you, Jeane, for sharing your inspirational story. And thanks again to Cooper and Emily for your wonderful efforts in coordinating the clearinghouse.

[sleepingmommy]

OH MY GOD!

That is the most incredible story!

I'm so proud of this family, this is the first time all week I've been moved to tears by something positive.

Thank you thank you for coming by and telling me that this had been posted.

[Running2Ks]

The awesome power of giving is still alive! This is just so touching and beautiful!

[buffi]

This is jsut fantastic. So much ca nhappen when you eliminate red tape! I am so happy to hear of the good, generous side of people. Emily & Cooper, you are giving us all hope. You have no idea how important that is!

[Kacey Eppinette]

Hi,
I am so moved by you, Jeane. Rayville is my home town. I grew up there and went to school there. And yes I have wanted to help but Red Cross will only take cash and i have to fill out an application to volunteer and I have a 3 year old son so I cant. My uncle is Chief Deputy in Rayville,La. It is definately an act from God to compell you and your sister to do something so huge. Rayville is a very small town and is in need of help. I appreciate everything you have done and I am sure that the victims and the town of Rayville do also. I will be sure to tell everyone that you and your sister are responsible for all the supplies that are being brought. If I could get the time the truck is arriving I would love be there to help in anyway that I can. Thank you. Your act of kindness should be what we all strive to accomplish in anyones time of need. Please inform me if there is anything I can do. For you or your family or in your effort to send relief supplies.

Kacey Eppinette

[Mari]

[ITEMS HAVE BEEN DONATED.] This is amazing. True beautiful human spirits.
Thank you to you all that took part in this. You started small and helped in bigger ways than you imagined. God bless you.

[Julia]

While it certainly sounds like this group was helpful, I don't think it's fair of them to knock the "official" "charities." Nonprofits like the Red Cross know from experience what helps best in an emergency. They need to triage, just as any other emergency responder does.

[andrea]

I can hardly think of what to write. I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I type. I am so moved by this story. It is truly amazing to think of what people can accomplish.

Bravo to all who reached out to help.

[Jeane]

I must apologize. I was very emotional when I related my story. I do not in any way want to denigrate the awesome response of groups like the Red Cross. My only disappointment was in the discouragement I got from them when offering help. They know how to triage the life and death needs in the disaster area and provide for them and they do an awesome job. But what about the areas outside of their immediate sphere of influence? I hear that there are something like 90,000 square miles affected by this tragedy. There are huge gaps to be filled. I just think people should not be discouraged from doing what they can to help.

[Krista]

I just found your site. I passed it on to a few online groups and also sent it to as many online retailers as I could think of. I suggested that they offer free shipping or a discount on orders to some of the shelters that are housing hurricane victims. I am sure people would respond with orders of the things that are needed so desperately. My heart breaks for those in need. I heard on the news today that three babies died in the Convention Center. I can't bear the thought of that.

[Little Miss]

Thank you!! Thanks for what you've done, and thanks for posting your story. For the first time in a while, I cried because of gratitude. While the different organizations are probably doing the best they can, (though we don't see it that way), it is ordinary citizens that are really stepping up to the plate and making things happen! You help to restore my faith in the American people, and I am SO GRATEFUL for all that you have done. Thank you.

[Julia]

Jeane, I think what you did was admirable. I just felt it important to remind folks that experienced nonprofits are doing the best they can. Bravo to you and your crew.

[jackie]

Hi to you and so happy to read this today. Not only is it so awesome that this was pulled together without government help, but just reading something positvie today was necessary. I live in Maine and feel so far away from the devistation that I feel helpless to help. But, there have been sites I was able to post stuff on to get supplies and toys in the hands of people and that is the only way we will donate. People like you have allowed folks to feel good about donating and give us hope that we will realize that the best relief in a disaster comes from neighbors not government agencies and that is just the truth!!!

[warcrygirl]

This is the most awesome story I've ever read. Bravo to you all!

Came here via Sleeping Mommy.

[nancy]

Speechless....

[kim]

this is awesome. i'm moved to tears...

[momma of 2]

WOW - you've done a great job! This is what makes our country great - you ladies are an inspiration to us all.

[Erica]

I'm here via Sleeping Mommy and I'm so grateful she sent me. What a truly incredible story. Thanks for all you are doing and thanks to Jeane, too.

[Sleeping Mommy]

Thank you for the update, it's good to know that they are arriving safe and will get the supplies to those in need.

Originally posted by: sleepingmommy | September 04, 2005

[Kim]

hi there,
thank you for your awesome efford. i wish there was more i could do
from germany but for now i'm trying to spread the word about actions from amazing people like you.
i made a button for the clearinghouse that i'm already using on my site. please email me or just take it from my site to spread the word on your sites.
we in germany are thinking of you and i'm moved to tears hearing how
amazing the will and efford to help within the US is.
love from germany,
kim
Originally posted by: kim | September 04, 2005

[Dana]

Hi all -
Anyone in the Chicagoland area know of drop-off locations for goods (not money)? I have only seen places accepting $$$ and we've already done that.
We are ready to send out our boxes to the Marksville shelter through the post office, however, I've emailed friends about dropping off donations here (Target was nice enough to give us about 50 empty boxes) and we're going to fill them up!!! But if we keep using the post office, we're going to end up spending more money on shipping than donations!!!
Please let me know.
thanks,
Dana

Originally posted by: Dana | September 11, 2005

[Pauli]

We have itemized and packed a big box of fresh summer clothes destined to be sent at our expense to St. Vincent de Paul Oznum Outlet in Houston (281) 272-0110. They have refugees and caN DISTRIBUTE. Hiwever, it would be nice to have a trucking center n major cities to make weekly drives. Iam in Los Ang.
Originally posted by: Paulie | September 04, 2005

[Esther]

Please e-mail me and I will mail the following items to you:
Girls' summer/winter clothes sizes 4-6X, and shoes sizes 11-1. Womens' summer/winter clothes sizes 6-8 and medium and shoes size 9. Men's shirts sizes XL and XXL. Unopened barbies. Tons of kids books. Can buy and mail other lightweight items (over-the-counter meds, gum, coloring books and crayons), just let me know what you need!
As for shipping items, I've noticed that FedEx ground may be cheaper than UPS and faster in many locations. Shop around for shipping prices!

Originally posted by: Esther King | September 07, 2005

[Alexandra]

I have been calling around to find out about sending supplies. Happy to report that a lot of places are getting items. Listed below are requests as of 9/8 AM
Salvation Army Lafayette, LA: need toiletries. also have an 18 wheeler coming with items
River Center Baton Rouge: could still use items esp. diabetic food but seem to be doing better. can always use toiletries- soap, mouthwash
First Baptist Church Baton Rouge: tvs, clock radios and radios. also donations to their relief fund to help pay for their phone bill
University Methodist Church Baton Rouge: gift cards for WalMart, Target. so people can get specifically what they need and start to get their life together.
Woman's Hospital Baton Rouge: need donations to buy car seats for children. helping buy plane tixs for people too. can donate online at www.womans.org
St. Vincent de Paul Houston, TX: They seem to still be in need of supplies. Spoke with a woman there this morning and said they served 42,000 pounds of food yesterday. Have something like 300,000 survivors. requested gift cards too. 
http://www.svdphouston.org/hurricane_katrina_victims.html

Orignally posted by: Alexandra | September 08, 2005

[Skywolf]

It should be very obvious we can no longer trust nor depend on government for help. There are too many ulterior motives for government to be of any further value.

Thank you folks so much for helping in this regard. The American people are always so much more attuned to what is needed than our government.