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A Chapter that Shelters Together
Christine Olds, Special to RedCross.org
Monday, September 20, 2004 — Prior to Hurricane Frances Jane Elder and Sally Sibson had never given much thought to the American Red Cross. Finding themselves right in the path of the monstrous storm changed that fact in a hurry. As residents of the barrier islands outside of Vero Beach, they found themselves looking for safe haven to wait out the storm.
The Red Cross chapter building was hit hard by the storm and downed trees had to be cleared. |
Luckily, the women found themselves at the North Treasure Coast Chapter Headquarters. Like most of the surrounding area of Indian River and St. Lucie counties, the Chapter was hit hard by Frances’ wrath. When the storm had passed, they had bonded with the Chapter staff and volunteers who had all taken shelter together in the training classroom.
Even after they were cleared to return to their homes, the women still visit the chapter each day, but now as volunteers. They pitch in whenever and wherever they’re needed: running errands, answering phones, cleaning offices and restrooms and even doing laundry for staff and volunteers.
“We can’t do enough to help these wonderful people who have helped us so much,” Sally said. “It’s ironic that it took such a furious act of nature to bring us together with the Red Cross,” Jane added. “But in a way it’s a positive outcome of a tragic event.”
Power and water was cut off to the North Treasure Coast Red Cross Chapter and the Red Cross workers themselves suffered damage to many of their own homes. But the staff, board members and volunteers sought refuge together space in the safe haven of the chapter building’s classroom. In the days following the storm, they took turns showering, eating together, and then, serving fellow residents affected by the storm.
“Not only did we work together, we lived together for more than a week,” said Sarah Tippet Ruwe, chief executive officer. “We found that even under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, we could pull together as a team and do what we do best: help others.”
“Just like Sally and Jane didn’t know about the spectrum of Red Cross services, we too learned about ourselves from this experience. Often in times of challenge we see the best in ourselves and in others: this was one of those times,” Ruwe added.
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