Portlight Disaster Relief

Last Updated: 2:40 PM GMT on November 19, 2009 — Last Comment: 6:06 AM GMT on November 18, 2009

	Baxters Pictures and Update

Posted by: Portlight, 1:43 PM GMT on September 29, 2009

Steve Melton (FLDART) has just returned from delivering a load of much needed supplies to the Baxter family in Lithia Springs, GA. We continue to help them financially...and with a host of needed ngoods donated by our Wunderground family. They have now found temporary housing and our next effort, in addition to some ongoing financial help, is to begin providing furniture for their home. These people lost everything. If you are wondering "Do they need....?"...well...the answer is "Yes!"...they need it all...

Paul,

You asked me to describe to you what we found when we arrived in Lithia Springs,
Georgia, yesterday. Well sir, I dont know if words can do it justice; but, I
will do my best. We arrived yesterday around Noon. As we drove through town on
our way to meet with Krissy, the first thing to draw our attention was the
smell. A strong odor of decomposition and decay permeated the air. Speaking with
a Douglas County Sheriffs Deputy, he told us that the flood water had contained
raw sewage, plus the contents of a couple of hundred homes, deceased animals,
and the contents of several businesses including a large supermarket that had
been inundated. After asking for directions the Officer informed us that many of
the roadways were still closed and several street signs were gone. He graciously
offered to escort us to the Baxter's residence. On our way there we noticed the
water level in a few of the places had reached over 20 feet, as evidenced by the
telltale muddy
brown high-water mark left on the trees and buildings.Several businesses along
the main route, were beginning the long and tedious process of cleanup. The
contents of these buildings were strewn about the parking lots covered in silt
and debris. Large dumpsters were being brought in to some locations, and bobcat
loaders were being used to simply dispose of everything. Driving through the
Baxter's neighborhood many residents were observed removing items from inside
their homes and stacking the debris outside. I mean everything, beds, furniture,
appliances, clothing etc..Most of them appeared; understandably; to be in a
state of shock...
When we arrived at Krissy's home, we were greeted with tears and heartfelt
thanks for everything that Portlight has already done...I assured her that we
were just beginning, and that everything would be alright. After 23 years in
this business I still become emotional when confronted with such suffering and
loss. She related to me, a remarkable story of survival, which I will relate to
you all soon.
As for the home, it was submerged to above the roof line... ALL contents were
destroyed...When I entered the residence there was still standing water in the
floors. Debris was strewn from one end of the house to the other and the ceiling
had totally collapsed throughout the home. Black Mold and Mildew was already
beginning to appear on everything. I was reminded of the results of the storm
surge from Hurricane Ike Last year. In addition to the home itself two vehicles
belonging to the family were destroyed in the front yard. They were submerged
under approx. 20-25 feet of water. The church of latter day saints brought by a
clean-up kit. While this was a noble and heart-felt effort, I just don't believe
this is gonna cut-it. I am planning to return to the area on Wednesday, in order
to complete a more thorough assessment of the area.
Paul, These desperatly people need and deserve our help... I emphatically
implore you and all the others involved in our cause to step up.

Steve

Atlanta Flooding 2

This photo was uploaded by: Portlight

Atlanta Flooding

This photo was uploaded by: Portlight

Baxter's Story

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51. presslord 12:17 PM GMT on October 01, 2009
Quoting EmmyRose: I have been cautioned by several people I respect to temper my attitude about FEMA Why? :-) Did you speak to our friend at FEMA? Was she any help??? yes...and no...

52. Patrap 2:36 PM GMT on October 01, 2009
Well..I could try and garner some Air Support,but seems Im at a dead end as far as Ideas on that route. anyway Im gonna try anyway..as FEMA leaves a bad taste in my Mouth . And it aint MRE's neither.

53. Patrap 2:52 PM GMT on October 01, 2009
Needed: One Large Jet fueled,to Samoa. Mr Branson?,..Mr. Trump,..are you out there?

54. Patrap 2:55 PM GMT on October 01, 2009

55. Patrap 3:17 PM GMT on October 01, 2009
Message sent to Virgin America.. Dir Sir or Madam, My Name is Patrick ####### and I need your Airlines help. I work for a Non-profit Org called portlight.org and we do disaster relief . We had a conference call with FEMA last evening as they requested our assistance in garnering supplies for the affected in Samoa . We have the supplies and other requested relief on hand but FEMA wont provide us air transport to Samoa. Why,..we dont know. Im asking..Im actually begging that Virgin Airlines and Mr. Branson could provide us Air Transport to the Region. Were a small Non-profit but with a Large Base of Support. Anything you can do would be much appreciated. Im including our Chairmans Number Paul Timmons as a point of contact. Time is of the essence and we could really use some help. Your with Faith, Patrick J. ####### portlight.org Blog on the wunderground. http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Portlight/comment.html?entrynum=20#comment_52 My Blog on the wunderground http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Patrap/comment.html?entrynum=204 Paul Timmons,Portlight Chairman number ###-###-#### Thank you for your Time and assistance.

56. Patrap 4:38 PM GMT on October 01, 2009
Quoting reeldrlaura: You might contact WorldVision also.....they are already there and bringing in more flights, once a week I think. Maybe Portlight could piggy-back some supplies with their flights. Lotsa Idea's and info are coming in via my blog and wu-mail. Laura has a excellent one above. Were gonna get it there. Were gonna get this done.

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