 day, the husband of one of the gals who had been volunteering with me for three days at Berry Center came to my house, picked up my  apologized for having to wait to get the car aligned. Amazing.   humid, but no one cared as long as it was not raining. We had not had  longer basic needs of clothes, towels, pillows, blankets and hygiene items, but now cleaning supplies, baby items, pet supplies, etc. Berry Center was now a functioning distribution center (Point of


 residents to pick up clothing, baby items, cleaning supplies, and water.  of donations were now coming from grocery store vendors, like the  -


erational support like we do for any event. We worked it out to only    do another review of the venue’s damages and repairs. I did not go  I spent Saturday and Sunday from my kitchen sending emails to


 POD last day was to be Sunday, Sept. 3. All school district employees              was since so many people did not have a place to live, why were we      - ships to CFISD students. Some vendors canceled due to the storm,    not disappointed.      water was draining again, and my house was dry. 


sorted the clothing by type and size. It was amazing.          


  of the conference center. Our school buses continued to take people to    our community and around the country asking what we needed and how could they help.  -


   Both local airports remained closed. By Wednesday night, we had only nine guests overnight at Berry Center. People are really kind and willing to help in any way. In one of my 


over quickly, while for so many of my fellow district employees it will  and insurance companies for funds for alternative living arrangements.   abandoned shopping mall until new housing could be secured.  sent notes of encouragement and support. I am proud that my many   FM


Beth Wade, CFE, is director of the Berry Center in Houston, Texas.


IAVM


23


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