And the flooding continues...

In my last note, I mentioned how I was mesmerized with the houses falling into the river in the Wisconsin flooding. Now, I've been seeing the flooding in Iowa and I'm no longer mesmerized. Now I am heavy-hearted.

I lived in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area when I was younger. It's a wonderful city with even more wonderful people. The photos and videos I've seen coming from there are shocking. The river that flows through the city (the Cedar River) crested over 31 feet above normal level. Look up to your ceiling. How high is that? Mine is your standard 8 ft ceiling. So that means I need to quadruple that height to get an idea of how much higher than normal the river rose. Can you even imagine having water that reaches the second floor of your home!?!?? Or higher!?!?!? I only had a couple inches of water in my basement a couple months ago, and that frustrated me. I can't imagine having my entire home's contents floating around....

Because I consider that area my "hometown", I've been wishing I could help somehow. I can't get there due to flooding and even if I could, I don't think there is much to be done for now until the waters recede. So I've done some searching and found some ways for me or anyone to help financially.

First option is through the local Salvation Army. They provide food and drink for people affected by the flooding as well as volunteers, emergency workers, or any others in need.

Next option is through the local Red Cross chapter. (On the left, click on "make a donation", then click on "Donate Now".) They provide shelter, food, and snacks for people who have been forced from their homes due to flooding.

If you want to help physically by offering materials or volunteering time, here is one website that has been set up to connect people for those needs.

For other updates, you can get information from the local newspaper's website. Near the top is also a link that says "How to help people in Cedar Rapids". It is in a blog message format - the original post is there, and updates and other information are in the messages section.

Fortunately, some drier weather days are in the forecast. I hope the citizens can all get in and start their cleanup and recovery efforts soon.