A friend of a friend's family lost everything in Ike. Their home and small business. I learned something I didn't know... small business do not get assistance from FEMA! Her father and family owned a bait and tackle shop in Bolivar that was washed away during the storm. Here is a little of what she says about that area...
Bolivar is home to all local businesses, there is no McDonald's, not even a Dairy Queen. All restaurants, all gas stations, all retail and grocery stores are family owned. For those of you that have been through a disaster and have had to deal with fema you understand that fema does not provide assistance to small business owners. SBA's are at the mercy of their individual insurance companies. With that, Bolivar is a coastal community - you cannot get wind or flood insurance due to the scandals of hurricanes in the past. So consider, all of these families businesses are gone. Their livelihoods, gone, everything they worked for, gone.
She has set up a website for her family in hopes of collecting items to donate to them. I wanted to spread the word to my local readers... if you can help them, please do. I am going to spend some time this weekend going through our stuff to see what I can do to help. If you have items you can donate, please let me know or contact Kristi through the website. Click HERE to see what they need.
Sometimes it is frustrating watching on TV and not knowing what to do for these people. I just can't pass up the opportunity to help... even if it is for just one family.
Thanks!
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