“How do you say ‘thank you’ when thank you is not enough? How do you show your appreciation when you
have no ability to repay? The Red Cross
has been phenomenal! Everyone has been
so kind and supportive.” These are the
words of City Administrator Sandee S. Rogers of Nichols, SC as she talked about
the devastation of her community and the response shown by the American Red
Cross.
The impact of the flood is overwhelming. As Sandee went down the list of devastation,
you could almost see her visualizing the people represented by her inventory of
damage: 253 homes have major
damage and
will likely not be habitable. 53 homes
were totally destroyed. In addition, two
restaurants, the bank, doctor’s office, pharmacy, post office, fire department,
and every business in town including Carolina Eastern ag fertilizer company, a
major employer, are gone. All said they
are not coming back. The community’s six
churches have been devastated. Only 11
homes have minor to moderate damage and only 2-3 people are able to live in
their homes at this time.
“It is a miracle that city hall survived. It has served as a center of hope.” The books on the library shelves have been
turned into shelves of supplies and the library a center for supply
distribution. City hall, now more than
ever, has become a place where people can come together.
“This was the most humbling and most heartbreaking event in my
entire life. The city has been
devastated, not by Hurricane Matthew, but by the flood waters from failed dams
in North Carolina, specifically the Lumberton dam.” Sandee remarked that there has NEVER been a
flood like this. The closest was in
1928.
“Every time the Red Cross showed up they offered hope and
encouragement, whether it be meals, shelter, mental health services, clean up
supplies or other services. The impact of
the Red Cross was crucial, particularly for the older residents.”
I asked what Sandee would say to the American people if she had a
chance, “The outpouring of love from within the state, neighboring states and
throughout the country to help this small town was overwhelming. I would never have expected it to
happen. Thank you, thank you, thank
you.”
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