I am sure the day will come when Schools Count will no longer be working in Washington, IL. That was the case, some years ago, after Hurricane Katrina ripped apart many neighborhoods in New Orleans. Eventually, we left NOLA but not until we had served 43 schools over a period of six years.
Now is not the time to say 'we've helped Washington, it's time to move on.' As things settle down and as some aid slows to a trickle, it will be time to further assess and help the people of this small Midwest town. Providing aid for a week or two, although very helpful, is but a small part of what it will take for the people to try to cope with and recover from the devastation.
Besides, as time goes by, people will find that they have new needs as they start to rebuild their homes and lives. At that time we may well have to adjust what we do for the schools, students and citizens. If there is one lesson that we've learned, after all these years, sustaining aid is an imperative to helping folks get back on their feet.
To all of those who have supported our efforts to bring school supplies, winter coats and food gift cards to the residents of Washington...thank you so very much!!
Looking forward to going back tomorrow!
Dicki
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment