WWWUD

That's "What Would Weather Underground Do" to help after Hurricane Ike

Well, if your WU screen name is Patrap, you start making plans as soon as Ike makes landfall, and if your screen name is Presslord or Stormjunkie, you jump right in. Together, the 3 of you start kickin' ass! You raise over $14,000 in cash from WU bloggers and others, get a bunch of walkers, crutches, and electric wheelchairs donated, & get trucks and drivers donated by the FL chapter of the American Red Cross to deliver that medical equipment to TX, -- that's all within just one week of Ike hitting the Texas Coast!

If you're Patrap and Mrs. Patrap, you make plans and start working there in New Orleans, soliciting donations of bulk items, giving up your valuable family time to help your Texas neighbors by filling the truck that the two of you will drive.

If you're Stormjunkie, within the first week, you're on the road with Presslord's wife ( Wait, how'd that happen? ) with a truckload of goodies -- and we're not just talkin' water and ice -- reaching out to some of hard-hit rural communities in Texas, those that are most in need, the ones that aren't being reached by the bigger aid foundations, the "forgotten" communities, with the people that can't stop thanking you when you arrive, that shed their first tears of happiness since Ike has hit.

When your truck is empty, you don't immediately head back. You go out into the communities, make connections with the proper authorities, and make assessments to determine what the needs are so that you can return and meet those needs.

Wait, someone is missing here. Hmmmm. Who could I be forgetting? Oh, that'd be Presslord! I think I heard something about him staying back, drinking scotch and dressing in drag. But hey, if that's what it takes for him to keep rakin' in the dough, make all the phone calls (for which he's paying), hook up the air-freight connections, secure the trucks at awesome rates, get the medical equipment donated (the value of that alone is staggering), get the cooperation of the Red Cross chapters that have helped, accept the donations from people who have come to his office, etc., then I'm willing to spring for a bottle of scotch and, well...Paul, what is your dress size and how much of a hem would you like on that?

Let's not forget all the work that Pat (Patrap), Paul (Presslord), John (Stormjunkie), and many others are doing behind the scenes. There's so much involved that there's just no way to mention it all or thank everyone -- Plus there are all of those in the WU community who are reaching into their pockets and donating, spreading the word far and wide, and cheerleading.

But, that's not all, folks. You then get more trucks rented, with one sweet hook-up from the rental companies who want to do their part to help, and keep working on donations of goods and cash, you have more trucks lined up before the first ones are even empty. You decide you are in this for the long haul despite the other commitments in your life. You see a need and you aim to fill it. You even inspire others along the way, whether you realize it or not.

So, that's the answer to the WWWUD question. Now, WWUD (What Would You Do)? Click here & here for more information, pictures, and donation information. All donations are tax deductible.

Ann
A proud member of the WU Community :)