Inspiration

Deb L. Marciano, Ph.D. &

Ray C. Noll 3^rd

Dear Friends and Family,

In April, I attended a presentation at the ACEI Conference in New Orleans, by a panel who said they felt they had failed the children of Katrina. After the catastrophic tornadoes that hit Alabama those words haunted me and I decided to volunteer a week of my time to the children who were victims of the storms. Thanks to Southwest frequent flier miles, I was able to get there that Mon. Ray helped me pack two suitcases filled w/ books and paper, granola bars, jump ropes, art supplies, journals, and decks of cards. SW looked the other way when my bags were 8 lb. overweight, since I had another 50 lb. on my back.

I was incredibly fortunate to have connected with Mr. Glenn Estess, Past President of Rotary International, a friend of Dad. Glenn and his lovely wife, Mary, hosted me for my six days, helping me make a connection with the Jefferson County School Department. I was also lucky to have met Ms. Sherry Nelson, who provided me with transportation back and forth (and lots of friendship) each day. Dr. Sherri Savage brought me to help at Concord Elementary School, where I served as a substitute, reading picture books and talking with students. Two of the school students were killed in the tornado. I helped cover classes while teachers attended the services. In exchange for several books and baggies of art materials, one boy gave me a photo of his now demolished home. It was mindboggling.

I was blessed to be part of the Pleasant Grove Elementary temporary staff for the rest of the week. Although the school was fortunate to not have lost any students in the storms, more than 140 school families were displaced. The picture here shows the devastated neighbor-hood that is within two blocks of the school. I met so many wonderful people, looking for ways to help. They will need hard workers for a very long time, if you are so inclined to go there.

Despite many horrific stories to be told, my experiences in Concord and Pleasant Grove, AL taught me about the strength of community and faith. I never heard a single, “Why me?” but always, “We thank God to be alive.” The spirit of true caring for one another shone through the broken trees, destroyed homes, and smashed cars. The neighborhoods are unrecognizable to those who have lived their whole lives there. What I saw feels incomprehensible. Yet, everyone has pitched in to help one another. Donations have come from around the country, and yet there is so much to be done and so much good. EVERY student at PG Elementary went home with a donated Mother’s Day gift.

Many of you have asked me how you can help those in AL. I have decided to put together “Vacation Back Packs” for elementary students. School will dismiss for summer next week, so I will make arrangements for these bags (filled with crayons, scissors, glue sticks, pencils and erasers, balls, dominoes, etc.) to be delivered (not sure how, yet) to the area of Pleasant Grove, so the kids have something to start their summer with.

If you would like to help, you may contribute items, but checks made out to me might help hasten this process. You’ll receive an acknowledgement from me, citing your donation (you can use this on your tax returns). Ray and I will put the Back Packs together and hopefully have someone contribute for the delivery. The more money we receive, the more backpacks can be provided. No donation is too small – remember, these families lost just about EVERYTHING. Notes and photos from students or you and your family would be a nice touch, too!

I hope to have these delivered by mid June, so please let us know if you want to help. Thanks for your prayers and generosity. Hugs, Deb & Ray

Please share with those you know who may be interested in helping. Thank you.