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Flood Washington with Relief

December 8, 2007 by Kathryn

Flood Washington With ReliefIt wasn’t until I sat down to beg you all for help that the severity of what’s going on in the flood zones really hit me and I started bawling. If you want to understand why, go watch this video from the Lewis County Chronicle website. I really need your help everybody.

I spent yesterday demolishing a single mother’s home in hopes of saving it. The main floor of her small house was filled with muddy contaminated water during this week’s record-breaking flood in western Washington. Apparently the water rose so fast that she and her 3 children were unable to get home and move their belongings from the main floor to safety.

Belongings piled up for cleaning.  She said her house looked like a giant blender.  The fridge was floating in the livingroom.4 days later while my 4 girlfriends and I were tearing the sheetrock and insulation from the walls of her home with hammers and shovels, she was still hauling her filthy belongings to temporary housing in garbage bags. A few of her children’s homemade Christmas decorations still clung to the higher walls.

Over 1600 homes were flooded in this disaster, the majority of which have no flood insurance. Businesses have been wiped out. As sad as it was to see Wal-Mart under water and Home Depot condemned, the hardest thing is to know that many small businesses may never recover. So even as their homes are destroyed, their livelihoods may be cut off as well, right at the busiest time of the year for many businesses.

Volunteers waiting for assigments.

One of my friends kept asking the disaster relief workers what the people would do now that their homes and belongings had been destroyed. Several families are walking away from homes and businesses with no idea what they will do next. The fact that Christmas is almost upon us is the least of their worries.

Cabinets continued to drip water, mud and sludge as we carried them from the house.  All her appliances large and small are ruined.It was incredibly humbling to drive past homes and farms that had been completely submerged, some blasted by 14 feet of filthy water. Farms that have been handed down for generations are destroyed, their owners left with nothing. Some had to shoot their own livestock so they wouldn’t suffer while drowning. There are cars and farming equipment still under water or stuck in mud and much of it is completely unusable. We saw toys, clothes and furniture several feet up in trees. People are in shock. More belongings to clean or toss.One elderly woman was found sitting alone in her mud-drenched home staring straight ahead, unable to move. It’s a daunting task and several hours of hard labor yield negligible results. It’s hard not to be discouraged by the slow pace of the progress.

One of the hardest hit areas is in Lewis county around Chehalis, a couple of hours south of where we live in the Seattle suburbs. My good friend grew up in Chehalis and her father is still a dentist and farmer in that area who, as Many houses will need to be stripped to the studs to get rid of the contaminants and smell.a volunteer LDS church leader, is helping head up relief efforts. Taking few breaks to eat or rest, he has spent the past several days driving from home to home assessing needs, helping with cleanup, distributing donations and organizing hundreds of volunteers.

Several local churches of various faiths have been turned into shelters and clothing and food distribution centers. People are coming from all over the US to serve and help with cleanup. The main non-denominational relief organizations serving the area are the United Way and the Red Cross and they are doing amazing work.

I am amazed at how generous people are to strangers.I sent out an email to the women of my congregation asking for clothing, food and tool donations and within hours, we had a garage full of supplies which Dan drove down early this morning on his way to help with cleanup. When I got home from Chehalis last night, I talked to my neighbors about what I’d seen and they came up with 3 boxes of helpful donations.

The river is on the OTHER side of the house.  This is what was left when the flood receded.Do you live nearby? Would you like to help with cleanup or reconstruction? Do you live far away? Would you like to help these people put their lives back together? Each year at Christmas we try to find someone in need who we can serve, something we should actually be doing all year long. This year the choice seems obvious for us. I can’t remember a time when I felt more blessed and more of an urge to give everything I can to help someone else. Even Laylee has gathered a mountain of clothes, toys and blankets in her room to take to the “flood people.”

How do you ever come back from this?

How do you ever come back from this?I’m gathering monetary donations which I will use to purchase gift cards to Home Depot and other local businesses with much-needed supplies. We will drive these cards down to Lewis County and, with the direction of local relief workers, give them to the flood victims to meet their immediate needs. Personally, I believe that people are capable of reaching out and helping each other directly.

Obviously I am not a registered charity so I do not have a Tax ID to give you a receipt for deductions. However, if you have $2 or $2000 that you’d like to go directly to people in dire need this Christmas, and you trust me to get it to them, I know that together we can do a lot of good. If you’re more comfortable going the traditional route, please consider making a donation through The Red Cross or The United Way.

My problems seem relatively small in comparison.If you’d like to help me give directly to victims, please click here to send money via PayPal.












All money that comes into my account for the rest of the year will go 100% to help rebuild the hardest hit areas of Washington. The people are cold, they’re wet and they need our help and prayers.

If you have a blog, please pass this information along to your readers. You can lift the graphic from the top and any photos from this post and post a link back to this entry. Email me if you have any questions and please help these people any way you can. Imagine what it would be like to lose everything all at once with little or no warning. THANK YOU!

Filed Under: Around Town, Holidays

Previous Post: « The Ho Ho Ho Guy
Next Post: Flood Update »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly says

    December 8, 2007 at 4:39 pm

    Thanks for the email…will spread the word and linky back to you.

  2. elliespen says

    December 8, 2007 at 5:08 pm

    Thanks for the email. I’ve linked to you on my blog and we are praying for you and those affected.

  3. Carrie says

    December 8, 2007 at 5:23 pm

    Oh Kathryn, thank you for doing this. I will get a post up soon!

  4. kittyhox says

    December 8, 2007 at 7:19 pm

    Okay, I’m going to try to link you to my blog. But I’m so technically challenged.

    I’d love to make a donation. What else can we do to help? What kind of items would be most helpful?

  5. Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants says

    December 8, 2007 at 7:20 pm

    Heartbreaking. I’ll link you in tomorrow’s post!

  6. Millie says

    December 8, 2007 at 7:30 pm

    K, this is really sweet and thoughtful of you… way to use your power for good, girl. I posted my little post. 🙂

  7. Heffalump says

    December 8, 2007 at 7:37 pm

    We are so thankful here on the coast that all we had to endure was a few days without power or phone service, and some downed trees. Thank you for sharing this. I linked to it on a post right away.

  8. Summer says

    December 8, 2007 at 8:01 pm

    I never watch the news so I didn’t even know this was happening. I’ll spread the word.

  9. aliciadiane says

    December 8, 2007 at 9:58 pm

    Thank you for giving me a chance to help. I wanted to, but didn’t know where to make a donation. Thanks!

  10. Heather from One Woman's World says

    December 8, 2007 at 11:18 pm

    Wow, Kate. I had no idea it had gotten this bad. I”m so sorry. I’ll help spread the word, too.

  11. Amy says

    December 8, 2007 at 11:19 pm

    I made a link from my blog! Thanks for all your work!

  12. Paige says

    December 9, 2007 at 8:42 am

    That is heartbreaking. I’d like to help.

  13. Lela says

    December 9, 2007 at 10:06 am

    I posted a link to send people over this way!

  14. Qtpies7 says

    December 9, 2007 at 11:18 am

    Wow. I really had no idea. I don’t watch the news at all. I will post this for sure. I’m just devastated and wish I could go help.

  15. Wendy says

    December 9, 2007 at 11:26 am

    Done! Kudos to you and thank for the personal insights!

  16. Rebecca says

    December 9, 2007 at 12:25 pm

    That’s terrible. Thanks for giving me a place to do something to help.

  17. Farm Wife says

    December 9, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    I posted & added a link in my side bar for you. God bless you in your efforts!

  18. Amanda says

    December 9, 2007 at 2:49 pm

    OMGoodness 🙁 My heart and prayers are with everyone!!! I will definitely post this link on my blog!

  19. tftcarrie says

    December 9, 2007 at 6:00 pm

    It looks like we got you covered on the Bloggernacle. May God bless all of you who are able to be hands on in the relief efforts.

  20. Heather says

    December 9, 2007 at 7:39 pm

    I’m posting and linking back to you. I had no idea it was this bad.

  21. Jen Hill says

    December 10, 2007 at 7:04 am

    I hadn’t heard about this story. Very tragic.

  22. Kork says

    December 10, 2007 at 11:36 am

    I received some photos from a friend of a friend who lives in the area, and is a civil engineer. All I can say is Holy Cow!

    We’re praying hard that more people will realize just how bad a flood is, even it doesn’t make the national news because its not related to a hurricane…

    Daring Young Mom, you ROCK! I am so blessed and humbled reading of your efforts. God bless you, and know that while I can’t help physically, there are many, many folks here in CO that are praying and sending money and donations to the Red Cross in the area.

  23. Melissa says

    December 10, 2007 at 4:26 pm

    Is there any way you can let me know if you get the dontation? I love PayPal, but I’m always worried that I’ve messed the darn thing up somehow :S Sorry… I know that’s inconvenient… just, if you get a moment… I’m off to blog… good luck with the cleanup

  24. cbs says

    December 10, 2007 at 5:04 pm

    I’m sending my thoughts, prayers and empathy from New Orleans to everyone up there. I know how tough it is to go through this sort of thing! It’s incredible the love and support we have felt from people all over the country who came (and are still coming) down here to help. I hope you all will get the same treatment. I will send a donation your way!

  25. Sarcastic Mom says

    December 10, 2007 at 10:53 pm

    My post is up and I’m off to give. God bless you for reaching out, Kathryn.

  26. Dawn says

    December 11, 2007 at 9:40 am

    I have “stuff”, If you’ll shoot me an email of where to send a box of baby boy clothes I can send it on.

  27. Grandpa says

    December 11, 2007 at 2:07 pm

    Found you through my daughter’s blog, Calm Before the Stark. You are a kind and generous person. Hope my little bit helps.

  28. crystine says

    December 11, 2007 at 5:40 pm

    The coop up here in Whatcom county is setting up a donation key on all the registers today. It is a big coop and I think it will help. We are small farmers too so I can only imagine…IF there is a supermarket/coop near to you maybe you can request they do the same.

  29. Marie says

    December 12, 2007 at 3:23 pm

    My family lives in western Washington and it’s wonderful to know that if they had been among the victims, there would have been people eager to help them. Thanks for setting this up. I’m linking here from my blog.

  30. jannine says

    December 12, 2007 at 3:49 pm

    You’re up on my blog as well… good luck!

  31. Sarah says

    December 13, 2007 at 11:16 am

    I live in Chehalis. I am surrounded by the devestation, but was not personally flooded, nor was my husband’s business. The morning following the breaking of the levees we all awoke to 12 feet of water covering the freeway and friends and neighbors beign homeless. Countless streams of people filed past our house which is a couple of blocks away from a freeway overpass to silently view the destruction. The shock was palatable.

    Our church has been taking home huge bags of muddy laundry to disinfect and clean. We have friends who are delivering firewood to complete strangers in need. There are countless hours spent sorting and organizing donations at the local red cross and united way. Those of our community that are not wet are giving sacrificially of what they have to help those who have lost alot or everything.

    It so warms my heart that you are also working so very hard to help those who so desperately need it. Thank you! I have blogged about the flood and the after effects if you want to check that out as well as the recovery from this crisis.

    Please keep helping and giving. You never know when it will be our turn to help you! God bless, Sarah

  32. Mom101 says

    December 13, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    Donation to the Red Cross made.

    Thanks so much for what you’re doing.

  33. Diane says

    December 14, 2007 at 10:19 am

    I am gathering donations – hopefully I will get some $$ also. A friend and I want to drive to the floodzone and HELP. We can come next Saturday 12/22. Would you be able to tell us where to go to make donations so they get to the people who need them and also where we can help – whatever we can do for a day…..my phone is 206-755-6227 – Verizon Cell or home 253-520-5515 or email. THANK YOU!!

  34. Tami says

    December 20, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    Hello, I am looking for a way to directly donate household goods to Lewis County and Salvation Army, etc.. are saying their wharehouses are full and can hold no more. I am also LDS and you mentioned you know members down there. Would you be able to put me in touch with someone in that Stake/Ward. Thank you, tamicarson@aol.com

  35. Cecilia says

    December 22, 2007 at 9:54 am

    We’re here in Idaho and wanting to head that way to help. We are a disaster construction co. (We have our UBL #602787757) and need to know where we are needed most! We have a huge waste/trash trailer, need to know if it’s needed and if so we would like to fill it up with donated goods or materials… So, with both trailers and a crew, we need to know about lodging in any area. If Home Depot is wiped out, how far will we need to travel for materials… etc. If anybody has a “go to person” please put them in contact with me. Cecilia >>> bbci@qwest.net

  36. Stephanie Curtis says

    December 23, 2007 at 2:40 pm

    I have some furniture to donate to families in the flood zone. Do you know if there are people coordinating transports of donations to Chehalis. I have 2 dining tables, a matching couch and loveseat, 4 dining chairs, a coffee table, end table and a china hutch. Let me know if there are contacts for these types of donations.

    Stephanie
    Kent, WA

  37. wanda dickson says

    December 27, 2007 at 6:02 pm

    I have some furniture, TV, a good running truck, and a few other things that we would like to donate to flood victims. How can we do that? We live about 2 hours north of Chalis and would be happy to drive it all down. We will even try to get more things from our friends to help out.

  38. Gail Gross says

    December 31, 2007 at 5:16 pm

    Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church has a group of volunteers to help flood victims week of January 6th, 2008. Anyone in need?

    Gail

  39. Lindsey says

    January 2, 2008 at 12:32 pm

    Hello, I am a mother of a young girl. We have recently cleaned out her toy chest and I have a bunch of clean, hardly used dolls, and other toys that I would like to donate to the children of the flood. Could you please point me in the right direction. I live in Pierce County and do not know of any donation stations around here for the flood victims.

  40. Annie says

    January 6, 2008 at 8:57 am

    I have a Gulbransen Organ for free to any church in the Flood area who needs an organ.

  41. Karen Capps says

    January 7, 2008 at 6:02 pm

    Hello, my sister and parents home was completely washed away along the Newaukum River during the recent flood. They also lost a lot of land including all the land the home sat upon. It was a beautiful two-story home with a deck and concrete patio. They lost everything.

    I am trying to find help for them in rebuilding. They no longer meet the requirements to rebuild on their current acearage due to building requirements but they are able to attain a remodel permit for an older building on the property that could be converted to a home. It too sustained flood damage.

    They need a designed floor plan and help with a complete rebuild. These five people (sister +2 children +parents) need assistance desperately.

    Sincerely,

    Karen Capps
    360-880-8922

  42. Lani ~ The Wooden Porch says

    January 16, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    Are you still collecting money? I just now read this (and saw your email).

  43. mustangsaver@hotmail.com says

    January 22, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    Maybe it’s too soon, however, I am aware that a lot of people lost their horsey pets. I have three that I’m willing to ‘donate’ to a ‘loving’ family, and or families. If you know of someone that ‘needs’ a new horsey ‘pet’ or two, or three, ‘LOL’ please let me know.

  44. Cindy Wilson says

    February 2, 2008 at 7:08 pm

    I was flooded and people will be needing money for months. I just finished sheet rocking and put mud up all day today. There is no was we can fix up our homes for the amount of money we were given. It’s a given that this is going to be an ongoing project for months.

  45. Tessa says

    February 4, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    Is there still a need for volunteers? I have a group interested in making a local mission in June and were hoping to do some clean-up from the floods if there is still a need. Please let me know. tessamk@gmail.com

Trackbacks

  1. Well OK, as long as it is a safety issue… - Linksational - All Today’s Online Hotness says:
    December 8, 2007 at 4:52 pm

    […] One way to help those flooded in western Washington. […]

  2. Flooded In | Who Made This Mess? says:
    December 9, 2007 at 10:00 am

    […] There are others who did not. In regard to that, Kathryn over at Daring Young Mom is rallying some flood relief for some of our more unfortunate neighbors. Please take a moment to read her post, I hope you can […]

  3. Flooded In | Who Made This Mess? says:
    December 9, 2007 at 10:00 am

    […] There are others who did not. In regard to that, Kathryn over at Daring Young Mom is rallying some flood relief for some of our more unfortunate neighbors. Please take a moment to read her post, I hope you can […]

  4. Beauty From Chaos » Flooding says:
    December 9, 2007 at 10:08 am

    […] that has taken place in the state of Washington. I had no clue it was as bad as it is until I read this […]

  5. Let the dog in! » Blog Archive » holiday help in our flooded Washington backyardHumorous reflections and stories from a Bainbridge Island, Washington family of 3, plus dog says:
    December 9, 2007 at 11:25 am

    […] her daringness, Daring Young Mom blogger Kathryn just posted complete with pictures about her experience lending help in flooded Lewis county, Washington. Compared to that […]

  6. Mormon Mommy Wars » Holy Water Damage, Batman! says:
    December 9, 2007 at 11:51 am

    […] over to Daring Young Mom immediately.  She is traveling around giving to and helping people who have lost homes, […]

  7. Second Sunday in Advent: The Bethlehem Candle « Toddled Dredge says:
    December 9, 2007 at 12:10 pm

    […] is a mom who just couldn’t get it together that day, or a neighbor who drives you crazy, or people who have lost their homes in a flood.  Jesus comes to us in those people, and we decide whether we will be the busy Bethlehem townsfolk […]

  8. hola, isabel » Blog Archive » Another reason I’m glad I’m not still in high school says:
    December 10, 2007 at 11:41 am

    […] helping dig people’s homes out of the water and mud. She wrote a very moving and informative post about it which I demand you read.  And then send her money, socks and shovels to help.  They can sure use […]

  9. Motherhood is Not for Wimps » Blog Archive » Flood Relief says:
    December 10, 2007 at 12:28 pm

    […] Young Mom and her family and friends are helping to provide relief for Washington flood victims.  In addition to some great writing about the sadness and loss, she’s also got a button up […]

  10. Kerflop » Blog Archive » A winter without depression? says:
    December 10, 2007 at 1:22 pm

    […] erm, real news, please pay a visit to Kathryn’s website and read up on how you can help the flood efforts in Washington. They need you. And you’ll be glad you helped when your house gets hit by a Tornado next […]

  11. » Here’s Your Chance says:
    December 10, 2007 at 10:50 pm

    […] this week and I’m seriously behind on my blog reading.  It wasn’t until today that I read this post at Daring Young Mom, and my heart goes out to the […]

  12. Here’s a chance to help… « A Glance Into a Mom’s World says:
    December 10, 2007 at 11:49 pm

    […] your chance to help! Daring Young Mom lives in the area, and has been helping out! Click the link, and it’ll take you to a post […]

  13. the calm before the stork » floods and mud in washington state says:
    December 11, 2007 at 11:50 am

    […] Click here to read about it and contribute: Flood Washington With Relief […]

  14. Katiemagic » Flooding in western Washington says:
    December 11, 2007 at 4:53 pm

    […] We are lucky enough to live North of all the destruction, but many people in western Washington’s lives have been completely wiped out and need all the help they can get.  So go add to your good Karma and donate here. […]

  15. A day without pain « Toddler Planet says:
    December 13, 2007 at 2:55 am

    […] off to chemo today, perhaps you’d like to visit Daring Young Mom and get a first-hand look at the aftermath of the floods in Washington.  She’s doing some hands-on work over there and it’s something everyone should know […]

  16. The Nest Baby New Arrivals : 12/14: Seen this week on the web says:
    December 14, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    […] is up for grabs at mod*mom and Prizey is giving away a parent’s night out. After you enter, visit Daring Young Mom and lend a hand with her flood relief efforts in Washington.> Etsy of the Week: Handmade […]

  17. Superpaige’s Pad » Perspective says:
    December 23, 2007 at 8:30 pm

    […] about cleaning my couch cushion because someone in the house peed on the couch. But then I read this blog post and realized there are other people in the world with much more to complain about. People […]

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