As Floridians prepared for the landfall of Hurricane Irma, unexpected heroes emerged. Neighborhoods banded together to help their weaker members. Strangers offered their homes, barns, and supplies to each other.
Just as they did after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, we are sure that the stories that rise to the top from Hurricane Irma will be just as up-lifting. In spite of the expected destruction, strangers and friends alike will step up to offer a helping hand. What is most beautiful about catastrophic events is the stories of the unexpected heroes who just want to give of themselves to those in need.
In the path of Hurricane Irma, these individuals are showing the best of our world. Be encouraged with these stories of every day folks helping to meet the needs of their community.
11. Every-Day Heroes Rescuing Chickens In A Unique Way
“CHICKEN EVACUATION,” the post from Key West Finest reads. “Gotta love the people in Key West! Thank you to Local Selfie Celeb Jayesh Mani for doing what the rest of us only wished for! #onlyinkeywest”
Not every town has their own flock of special chickens, but folks in Key West are known for theirs. “Gypsy Chickens” as they are called roam the streets of the town freely. Visitors to the area look forward to seeing the birds as they believe it adds charm to the area.
As to their special “packaging”, not to worry. Chicken owners have chimed in that this is a very smart way to quickly transport as many of the foul as possible. Putting them in carriers would require a separate container for each one, which means less birds would be able to be transported and saved.
“The way the chickens are wrapped up with their wings tucked down, is how you carry a chicken you flatten their wings to their sides and carry them like a football under your arm, so really over all the chickens should be moderately comfortable and should not get hot,” commented Lacey Bacon-Stonebraker, who herself owns 50 chickens and three roosters.
10. Stranger Gives Up Last Generator
Pam Brekke traveled 30 miles to hopefully secure a generator before Hurricane Irma hit. Her father is on oxygen and was unable to travel. After watching the last generator being loaded up for the customer in front of her, she broke down in tears. In an act of kindness the man offered her the generator he was going to buy without knowing why she was crying.
“I’m very overwhelmed by that man,” a tearful Brekke said. “That gentleman was a great gentleman right there. God will bless that man.”
After a comforting embrace the two continued their separate paths in preparation for the storm.
9. Sand Bags For Those In Need
Teletha Stephens, 57 and her family are on a mission to help others. In Gainesville, Florida, the city gave away sandbags to it’s residents. Citizens like Teletha spent hours shoveling sand and filling the bags to help their community. But she went a step further and realized that many needed more help than that. Teletha began delivering sandbags to those who couldn’t get out or were unable to lift the bags themselves.
“Whenever someone tells us they have a need, that’s what we try to do. Fulfill a need,” she said, carrying a sandbag to the side of her elderly mother’s home.
7. Neighbor Helping Neighbor To Prepare For The Storm
Neighbors Tammy Sharp, 45, and Jeff Reichardt, 60, work together to prepare their homes for Hurricane Irma’s arrival.
“I’m a single mom with an 8-year-old in my house, so yeah I’m worried,” Sharp said.
Reichardt quickly offered to help. Together they drove in his truck to a lumber yard and loaded what they could to prepare Tammy’s house for the storm.
“Helping one another. Keeping each other safe,” Reichardt said. “That’s what neighbors do.”
5. Out-Of-State Utility Companies Step Up To Help
In preparation for a storm that could rock their southern friends, out-of-state utility companies began sending extra hands in droves.
***Respect*** 25+ utility trucks left Minnesota; Florida bound. #HurricaneIrma #Irma #Florida #FloridaKeys pic.twitter.com/o8jdQk8jJj
— Chris Bryan CPA CkP® (@ChrisBryanCPA) September 10, 2017
Many of these workers are preparing for long, sleepless days. It’s not just about the money for them. It’s about helping out those in need. Remember to thank the workers when you see them!
4. A Place To Call Home – Or At Least Shelter
Lori and James McShane evacuated to Alabama. Not knowing exactly where to go, they were guided by local police to a fair ground where a local church was feeding evacuees. Here they were given a tent and an air mattress and a place to rest.
“These people were so good,” Ms. McShane says. “Makes me want to move to Alabama.”
Sadly, Irma decided to shift again and was expected to bring high winds to their place of refuge. But many were tired of running and decided they would fight it out. Together they created a “family” unit and have been helping each other prepare.
In the midst of the fear, Lori is keeping her sense of humor –
“At least we’re learning how to camp.”
1. Celebrity Kristen Bell Helps Others Prep For Irma
Kristen Bell and the 80 person crew were settling down to ride out the storm in Orlando.
“We didn’t have the option to leave so here we are,” Kristen wrote.
While tackling their trips to the story to personally prepare for Hurricane Irma, they took time to help other’s prep as well.
“Every person i passed today was assisting someone else – #neighborshelpingneighbors – it was beautiful to see. Sad that a hurricane has to bring out the best in everyone – but happy that the community will be holding hands through this.”
Kristen Bell Helps Evacuees Find Refuge
And when Kristen heard that her Frozen co-star’s family was unable to find shelter, she didn’t hesitate to help.
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