FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 6/16/09) If it's one thing we've found, trying times tends to bring out the best in people in Memphis. For the past four days, as frustrated residents lived without power, volunteers have made a real impact.
As the temperature rises, the need gets greater. A lot of people still need supplies and generators, but most of all, they need to know someone is there to help.
78-year-old Mildred Center knows exactly when the storm knocked out her power Friday. But she's a trooper, and when her backyard turned into a jungle, she relied on tricks from her days as a Girl Scout. She set up camp -- in her own home -- with a flashlight.
"Be prepared. That was our motto," says Center. "I still remember it after all these years."
With a tug on this loaner generator, volunteers are giving those without power hope. They started by going door-to-door handing out water and supplies to the elderly and sick. Now, they're taking donated generators all over town.
"We just started going door-to-door knocking. Anybody we saw on the porch fanning, especially if they were an elderly person, we'd stop and do one of two things or both things," says volunteer Richard Mack.
"We're just trying to get out and help people," says volunteer Carol Chumney. "We're all just one big family here in Memphis."
"Most important thing is they need a presence. Just to say we care," says Pastor Larry Hunter. For folks like Center, they've already done more than she ever dreamed.
"It feels good, great, that somebody is concerned about me. I was trying to discourage them, but they wouldn't hear it and now they brought it, I'm glad they did," says Center.
If you still need help you can call volunteers at 844-7141.
- Volunteers hand out water, food, supplies, generators
- Volunteers seeking to help elderly, sick
- Call 844-7141 for volunteer help
(Memphis 6/16/09) If it's one thing we've found, trying times tends to bring out the best in people in Memphis. For the past four days, as frustrated residents lived without power, volunteers have made a real impact.
As the temperature rises, the need gets greater. A lot of people still need supplies and generators, but most of all, they need to know someone is there to help.
78-year-old Mildred Center knows exactly when the storm knocked out her power Friday. But she's a trooper, and when her backyard turned into a jungle, she relied on tricks from her days as a Girl Scout. She set up camp -- in her own home -- with a flashlight.
"Be prepared. That was our motto," says Center. "I still remember it after all these years."
With a tug on this loaner generator, volunteers are giving those without power hope. They started by going door-to-door handing out water and supplies to the elderly and sick. Now, they're taking donated generators all over town.
"We just started going door-to-door knocking. Anybody we saw on the porch fanning, especially if they were an elderly person, we'd stop and do one of two things or both things," says volunteer Richard Mack.
"We're just trying to get out and help people," says volunteer Carol Chumney. "We're all just one big family here in Memphis."
"Most important thing is they need a presence. Just to say we care," says Pastor Larry Hunter. For folks like Center, they've already done more than she ever dreamed.
"It feels good, great, that somebody is concerned about me. I was trying to discourage them, but they wouldn't hear it and now they brought it, I'm glad they did," says Center.
If you still need help you can call volunteers at 844-7141.
