October 2, 2011
Early on the morning of Thursday, September 8, after having gone to bed listening to the usual “flash flood warnings”, many residents in our communities were harshly awakened by police loudspeakers warning them to GET OUT NOW. In disbelief they stumbled out onto their sidewalks and driveways to see floodwaters rushing over the lawns and down the street. For most, there hadn’t been time to think, to prepare, to rescue precious memories, or even to pack a bag. There was only time… to get out. And that’s how it remains.
Just one week later, on September 17th, the communities of Athens, Sayre and Waverly united together at the Valley Rally to provide for the hundreds of neighbors and friends who happened to live at a slightly lower elevation and who continue, every day and with no end in sight, to pay a horrible price for it.
The Bridge of the Penn-York Valley Churches was asked to distribute the furniture, appliances, clothing, household accessories, and money that was raised that day. And so we have. As of 2 weeks later:
The furniture has been going quickly but fortunately we continue to get more donations. We WELCOME and NEED furniture and appliance donations! Call 888-8826 for information.
Visitors to our Clothes Closet are getting such large amounts of merchandise that we had to get shopping carts… but we are still chock full of quality clothing of all kinds. We CAN NOT receive any additional clothing donations at this time.
And, we have issued about $50,000 in vouchers or gift certificates, serving almost 100 households.
Newly added to our inventory of equipment you can borrow is moisture meters. Make sure your flooded structures are dry before you start re-insulating! Meters available at the Clothes Closet and the Sayre Theater.
You may have attempted to call The Bridge and gotten a busy signal. With assistance from Guthrie Healthcare, our phone capability has been significantly expanded and you should now be able to get through. Please be patient, The Bridge is an all-volunteer organization made up of retirees and other busy people who just care so much that they have to try to help out some how.