By Kelly Isenor, American Red Cross

Sanibel Island was hit hard by the hurricane and was not accessible to residents until more than two weeks after landfall. Water and electric service were sporadic and restaurants were closed indefinitely, so the Red Cross truck was often the only source of food for those working on recovery.

“You know it’s bad when you get a meal at the end of your driveway,” said Laura Wagner, who has been cleaning out her Sanibel property with her husband Dave. They had only closed on the purchase of their home earlier this summer. Laura was finally moving in when evacuation orders were issued.

“We wanted to buy a home for our future and the future of our children and our children’s children’s children,” Wagner said. “That’s why we bought this home. For people we don’t even know yet. After a week here, I understood my life was in danger and I left, understanding the house might be here or not.”

Greg Doolittle is in charge of the Red Cross mobile feeding operation. His team of responders is trained in food service and hygiene, but he said the most important thing they do on the job can’t be taught. 

“To have some Red Cross person show up at the end of your driveway and hand you a warm meal can really make your day go from being really challenging to being kind of great,” he said.

The Wagners agree. 

“I never realized how necessary it is, the Red Cross,” Laura said. “You come from all over, you leave your families. You’re amazing, we really appreciate it. Thank you so, so much.” 

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