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Update: On IOWA FLOOD RECOVERY. I figured I'd post a reply so everyone will know how we are recovering...
HUGE-HUGE THANK YOU's to ALL for your emails of concern!!! WOW!

This devastating event has been, and will continue to be very overwhelming,exhausting, depressing and filthy dirty. The air for many miles away smells of sewage stench and our downtown/neighboring districts that were hit hardest look like a war zone after the bomb was dropped. 

 

My heart is heavy as I think how the people affected directly must feel as they stack their lifes belongings on the curb, and wait for the garbage men to haul it away.
If you've never experienced homelessness or a great loss, you can't even imagine what it's like to look into the eyes of a 6, 10 or 12 year old who has lost his/her home.. Or a mom who can't feed/cloth her kids.. Or a dad who cannot take his family home cuz their home is GONE or can't provide for his family cuz his work place has been washed away or is down and there will NOT be a paycheck for sometime to come and maybe never until he finds another job. 

 

This is real life crisis and requires an angel, or two or three or four to help...      

I personally was not hit directly, although my oldest son's house sustained major water damage :( and I have lost MANY MANY accounting clients as their businesses/homes are GONE.. washed away, scheduled for demolition, or still in recovery/clean up and evaluating the situation.. Many of them ask "can I continue" "Can we salvage our house? Or is it going to be condemned?" What a life changing event this has been. 

I am part of many groups collecting clothing, food, hygiene, toys, household, items etc for victims and also remembering to verbally offer kind, constructive and positive words of motivation and comfort. 

Equally as important is remembering to say thank you and God Bless for services and dedication to ALL service people working long hours very diligently to return our city to a functioning status. These people being but not limited to Armed Forces service persons, electric, gas, water, city workers, volunteers etc. 

Our Midwest situation has brought people closer together! People (even the victims!)here are HELPING each other from as far away as IL, WI, MN, CO, FL, NY, CA and that's just what I am personally aware of! 

The count as of now is that 2,500 homes so far have been condemned and will be torn down. I could go on and on but I think you can get the picture just how devastating this disaster has been/ and will continue to be.

The REAL Miracle is NO DEATH HAS OCCURRED FROM THIS!

Please know that ALL of your kind words have been very much appreciated! Totally awesome and very motivational 

It is imperative that we as a community MUST stay positive! 

All I can say is Thank you GOD for your ultimate blessings and THANK YOU to all who care to send tangible/financial help and all words of concern, hope, motivational inspiration.. 

You can still see pictures and videos by going to www.kcrg.com and click on 2008 Flood. You can also donate or volunteer items/services by going to www.2008flood.org

God Bless you all.. even if you can only offer prayers for families whose lives are totally devastated.

All,

As you know we in Iowa have huge weather related devastation aftermath occurring.  While I know many areas around the US are having weather related devastation; I am placing a CALL to you, your churches or any other social organizations for ANY type of assistance you can possibly provide for our Cedar Rapids-Metro area.

 You can go to www.2008flood.org and volunteer services, goods, finances or even emotional support for a family who sits in waiting knowing they may very well have nothing left.

 So far I have currently registered to volunteer my services with two help links on that site. If you are in an area or know of someone that needs help please let me know! I want to help in whatever means I can.

 My direct help link is http://www.2008flood.org/showvolunteer.php?lookupId=213

 If you can not access that website or prefer to go through me to provide your assistance, please contact me via email or cellular phone, my contact details are listed in my signature below.

 I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE, PLEASE BLAST THIS REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE TO ALL OF YOUR CONTACTS!

If you’re not able to provide physical, tangible supplies or monetary assistance, I ask that you pray for ALL victims of devastation. 

 GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!

 GOD BLESS -- Thank you for caring and taking action!

 

Best Regards,

Lorie A. Smith  - Independent Counselor          

Small Business Development Center - Cedar Rapids/Marion Iowa                        

Email: LASmith04@gmail.com