Letter: Help after Helene filled our hearts

My husband and I live on Clarks Ferry Road in Pulaski County and sustained flood damage from Hurricane Helene, though not as great as many.

When the water subsided to its side of the road, on Sunday morning at daylight Pulaski Emergency Services were on the scene. Soon local fire companies, VDOT, APCO, and neighbors were on the scene.

We were offered cases of water, cleaning supplies, food and other things. These things were being distributed because they had been donated from who knows where. But the donations came. And were so helpful. And we are grateful!

Folks from our church (Trinity Lutheran in Pulaski) spent that first Saturday mucking out our building. Most everything was gone down the river or ruined or damaged but we went through it all to wash and then sort into trashing or keeping.

On the next Saturday two volunteers that Pulaski Emergency Management had lined up came and helped. Then later in the day a scout troop joined them.

By the time they left we had a full "dumpster in a bag" (who knew there was such a thing!?) at the side of the road. The grapple truck (who knew there was such a thing!?) came on Wednesday and took it away. Our yard is full of silt and dirt and sand. Our building is yards from where it should be and empty.

But our hearts are full. Full of thanks to so many who cared for us in our needs. We are Ok. Thanks to VDOT, FEMA, Pulaski County Emergency Management, local fire departments, our church family, friends and neighbors.

You all are the best!

Gary and JoAnn Bunn, Draper