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Just Can’t Blow Away Community Spirit

By: Judy Johnson

An awful lot of things blew away over the recent tornado weekend, but even a few hours into this major event our Washington County community spirit was obviously hanging on firmly with the roots so long established here.

From Friday afternoon on, citizens of our community joined together to help one another in almost every way imaginable.  Our county agencies and officials, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and our neighbors came together to ensure the safety of the many impacted by the tornadoes.

Whether it was the actual life-saving rescues carried out by our emergency workers or the simple thoughtful acts of checking in on our elderly or sick neighbors, our community spirit was on display. As is usually the case in an emergency with such wide ranging impact, there are so many stories about so many brave and wonderful people that there is no way to name everyone.  Suffice it to say, this small community displayed a gigantic heart. 

But this display of care and concern did not stop at our county borders.  The Washington County Community Foundation office has been overwhelmed with calls from people across the state and across the nation who wanted to lend assistance.  Thankfully, we were in a position to answer all their questions regarding ways to contribute and lend a hand.

There are good people in these parts. As always, I’m proud to be an American and especially proud to call Washington County my home.  Over the next few weeks, let’s use one of the most convenient tools at our disposal, the Town Crier, to tell the world how our community pulled together to help one another.  So, if you have a heartwarming story about an individual, family or organization that “came to the rescue” during this crisis, please call the Town Crier at 883-2257  to share that story. 

A quick note: It is not too late to donate to help those who have been affected.  The recovery will take months.  A word of caution:  Please do not give to an unfamiliar organization.  Sadly, there are those in the world who will set up an organization, sometimes within a few hours of a tragedy, and then send emails all over the world soliciting donations.  Buyer Beware.  The Washington County Community Foundation has established a Disaster Relief Fund.  Those wishing to contribute can do so on-line by visiting the Foundation’s website at www.wccf.biz  or by mailing or delivering a check to the Foundation office at 1707 North Shelby Street, Suite 100, Salem, IN  47167.  For questions, please call 812-883-7334. 

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