Some said it was the worst natural disaster since the flood of 1927. Others said it was the worst natural disaster in the history of the state. On Aug. 30, three days after Hurricane Irene made landfall, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin and other officials spoke to the press and emphasized the importance of sticking together and working as a team.
“It is going to take patience,” said Gov. Shumlin at the press conference held at the Burlington International Airport. “It is going to take persistence. … We are in this together and we’ll get through it. It is going to take patience, hard work and what Vermonters do best, working together, taking care of your neighbors and working as a team to solve a big problem.”
That hard work continues a month later as Vermonters work together to clean up in the aftermath of the tropical storm that struck the state on Aug. 28.
Ken Bush, second counselor in the Montpelier Vermont Stake presidency, recalled that at the beginning of the year the stake discussed obtaining helping hands vests and ordered them.
“Call it inspiration,” said President Bush. “They came in July and we had enough vests for 20 per unit.”
After the storm, members donned the yellow vests and donated thousands of hours to clear debris from yards, tear out insulation and sheetrock, clean flooded basements and various other projects. Large trucks filled with cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, gloves, masks, shovels, hammers and other commodities arrived from out of state.
Reed McCracken of Waterbury was one of many who are grateful for the efforts of the Saints. Mr. McCracken, owner of webpage-based store said that although his business was spared, many of his friends and neighbors did not fare as well. The day after the flood, Mr. McCracken helped a friend clean out his house but he reported that the flood damaged over 200 homes and business. He was overwhelmed by the work and soon realized that if he spent every day of the month helping people it would not be as effective as finding volunteers.
A system was put in place where homeowners filled out a request form of what help they needed. As volunteers streamed in, Mr. McCracken and other coordinators matched up volunteers with projects. Individuals and groups of people volunteered to help with the recovery efforts contacted him. He received the largest group from the Church.
“What is really amazing to me is how great the turn out was and how well organized the response was,” said Mr. McCracken. “I think it speaks to the importance of mission work of the folks with the LDS faith and their generosity and concern for others.”
He noted that the group, which included members from near the Canadian border, was well coordinated in their arrival time, meeting place and even manner of dress.
Diane Gardner, Relief Society president of the Montpelier Vermont Stake, helped organize the group of around 90 members who, wearing in yellow Mormon Helping Hands vests, traveled to the hard-hit area of Waterbury.
“People have said they enjoy us because we know how to work,” Sister Gardner said. She told of a call she received from a lady who had been assisted by members. The woman wanted to pay the members and make a donation to the Church.
“I’m really touched that you want to do that,” Sister Gardner told her. “Your gift to us was letting us help you.”
She will take away many lessons from the relief efforts, including the importance of following counsel and being prepared.
“I have learned that being a member of this Church gives us such an advantage,” Sister Gardner said. “We know how to work, we know what to do, and our prophets are there to help guide us. It is much easier to be prepared and go forward. If I wasn’t a member I would not have a 72-hour kit, or even know to have one. I am very grateful for that.”
Members and non-members alike have pulled together in response to Gov. Shumlin’s counsel to take care of neighbors. But the efforts are not over.
“We’ve got a lot to be proud of,” Gov. Shumlin said at the press conference. “We’ve got a lot of work yet left to do. Let’s stick together and get it done.”
Bret D. Weekes, president of the Montpelier Vermont Stake said through the efforts of Mormon Helping Hands, people have recognized the faith and appreciate the stability, hope and confidence members bring.
“Any time you have the opportunity to work together or serve together there is an element of unity that comes from the service,” President Weekes said. “There is an element of charity and Christlike charity that really is cultivated through service.”
