CHEERS to all the North Country residents who have reached out to help Hurricane Sandy victims. After days of warnings that the devastating storm was headed our way, the North Country lucked out by getting only a little rain and wind.
But the response here wasn’t just a big sigh of relief and a “tough luck” to the areas that Sandy did sock. Within days of the storm, people in the North Country were leaping to respond to whatever needs they heard about. Utility workers, State Police troopers, Red Cross volunteers and firefighters headed south. People donated by mail, online and by text to hurricane relief funds. Students at local schools and colleges started holding benefit events.
We will share a story told to us by Mariane Mehan-Rabideau of Cadyville because it illustrates well the caring nature of the North Country. She has two grown children who live in New York City. Her daughter is a student, and her son is a professional who works with children.
Here’s what she told us:
“I feel blessed that my children made it through Hurricane Sandy without incident. Not everyone has been so fortunate. My heart broke with each story I heard and newscast I watched. I am sure many people in our area are feeling the same way: helpless.
“(After the storm) my daughter returned to classes and my son to work. He was thrilled to see his students yet heartbroken to find that so many had lost everything. I told him I would send down a box or do whatever I could to help. I packed up a box and planned on mailing it the following day.
“The next day, I told my coworkers of my plan. What started out as sending one box to Coney Island quickly turned into two pallets with more than 100 boxes filled with food, coats, hats, gloves, boots and more, all donated by unassuming, hardworking people — people who may or may not have ever been to New York City, people who have taught me the spirit of giving. Not only did these people give from their hearts, they also helped me pack and transport everything.
“I am writing this letter full of excitement, respect and honor for my unsung heroes on this day: Colby Dame, Brandy Bishop, Barb and Bob Baker, Betty Vann, Katie Ledwith, Dan Joy, Fran Cornell, Marcie Castine-Tompkins, Alyssa Rosio, Cliff Goff and Terry Guimond.”
Shipping supplies and cost were all donated by Mold Rite Plastics. Donated items will be given to Mariane’s son’s school, with anything left over going to the American Red Cross.
Many others around the North Country have also stepped forward to help Hurricane Sandy victims. It would have been easy to just sit and watch what was happening downstate, feeling fortunate. Instead, caring local people stepped up to help.
— If you have a Cheers and Jeers suggestion that you want the Editorial Board to consider, email it to Editor Lois Clermont at letters@pressrepublican.com.
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
