Local Volunteers Bring Aid And Relief To Louisiana Flood Victims
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In the wake of historic flooding that left more than 100,000 homes in Louisiana damaged, thousands of volunteers are making their way down to help out. That includes a number of people from our area.
Anthony Tornetta of the Red Cross of Southeastern PA says 20 volunteers from our area made their way down on Thursday.
He says seeing the damage on social media or the news doesn't give the full scope of the what's going on.
"Until you hit the ground, until you actually look into the eyes of someone that basically lost everything to this massive, historic flooding it's just unfathomable," Tornetta said.
He says many houses have been completely gutted.
"Drywall, and furniture, and clothes, and TV sets, and everything you can possibly think of inside of a house - stacked right in front of their curb," said Tornetta.
Janie Glatt and her husband Terry Siman of Lower Gywnedd Township say watching on TV is what inspired them to help out by volunteering with the St. Bernard Project.
She's been told to bring very specific items.
"Boots. Lots of sunscreen because it's hot. Lots of water. They have said in every communication make sure you have lots of water. It will be long work days - 8:30 to 4:30," said Glatt.
She says they'll be doing a lot of working cleaning out damaged homes.
"Everyday it will be a new house, new location in the area, of gutting and dismantling the homes that were ruined and preparing them to be rebuilt by other volunteers," Glatt said.
