[AnnieHartweg]

Many, many heart felt thanks to all of you for your concern and consideration!!!!! I can not tell you how wonderful it feels to have so many people, so many "Big Brothers and Mother Hens", yes, I just called some of you guys "hens" (you know who you are) looking out for me!!!! You guys and gals are the very best and you make me proud! I will also take the liberty of saying thank you from the folks of Springfield. Anything you can do to help will be put to good use. We have families trying to live in homes with no roofs, and if they are lucky, they are simply doing without windows. The temps have been down in the mid to low twenties at night and these people are "sleeping" in their cars at night in an effort to keep their kids warm.

Most of the power, thanks to tremendous efforts, has been restored. However, the homes are, for the most part, destroyed and have no functioning appliances. Many families still need hot meals and water. We are doing our best but any help you can offer will go a long way!

Shamefully, I did not offer to help the first few days. Being out in the country, I had no idea how bad the devastation reached. Then I tried to meet a friend for dinner Thur eve and found it impossible to cross through town. I could not believe what I saw!!! I was turned back and chased away because onlookers and traffic were too much for the police and the work crews to handle. By late Thur night and Fri morn they were finally able to ask for help...the word went out on TV and radio. In one day, 7,000 lbs of non-perishables and almost $8,000 were raised. Many contributions continue to arrive but we could use more. From what I have seen, paper and personal products along with cleaning supplies are the most needed. Seems odd to say but I know of many folks right now who would weep with joy at the site of a package of toilet paper and a box of diapers! Also seems odd to say but I know there are many cats and dogs that have been separated from their families. The animal shelter is doing their best and food is in great need until they can match families and pets back together.

Some of my initial time was spent in the SA kitchen cooking as much food as possible. It was good to be able to help but when I finally had the chance to ride on one of the Canteens, my fantasy world came to an abrupt halt. NONE of the pictures shown by the news stations were able to depict the true horror of what happened Sun Match 12th! My eyes were opened BIG TIME! I have seen and survived hurricanes but their terror just does not compare to what I have seen in the last week. For those of you who know me, you know I am rarely speechless. Tonight, I can not begin to tell you of the devastation. And for once, I am truly speechless.

For those who can help, I would say send hard goods rather than money. As much as I am trying to help, I must admit, I just don't see money being spent properly. Very sad to say but the hard goods such as canned foods, potatoes, fruit, paper products, personal products...something as simple as a razor, batteries, flashlights...think about living in the dark and/or the cold....that is what we need. Things like that are much more needed than money that may or may not go to helping the people who really need it.

Feel free to use the address Mr Nelson provided above, that is the main office for our local Salvation Army. If you are more comfortable sending things to me, I will be more than happy and grateful to deliver them to the SA on a daily basis. 1374 Schleyhahn Rd., Pleasant Plains, IL 62677

Many thanks to ALL of you for your thoughts and concerns. Most appreciation to Mr Cumby and the donations he and his company, PACTIV Corp have made to the recovery efforts. Huge thanks go to Mr. Nelson for spreading the word when I was unable to do so. And many thanks to the Clary family who heard our cry for help and offered more than imaginable.....you are all wonderful people and I am proud to be able to call you my friends!

Thank You and Love to All,
A