It’s Mother’s Day and all the moms -- past, present and future -- received a rose this morning, a small gesture of thanks for the sacrifices many volunteers are making. For many of us, this is day six of the operation in Little Rock and we have had a birthday party, Mother’s Day, and many shared meals and tears.  

Multiple tornadoes hit no less than twelve counties in Arkansas with some level of damage on April 30/May1. The remainder of the storm dumped the water in Tennessee, an operation that is getting a lot more attention. Despite Arkansas being overlooked, the volunteers here are providing the services the community needs with a smile and eagerness that is top notch. 

There is only so much that fits in a convenient suitcase, so laundry is becoming a necessity. The hotel has a great laundry room which has become the place to congregate and learn more about other team members who are miles from home. Learning from others what they are hearing and seeing in the area has been a great experience.

The remains of the a brick home after being hit by an EF3 tornado.
Photo Credit: Brigette Williams/American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas 

Touring the area yesterday revealed damage that went from a church having only a parking lot and hand written sign saying where services were to be held to the lucky ones where the tree missed the home by inches. The residents of the area affected by tornadoes a week ago are glad to see the Red Cross and other community partners providing everything from a gentle ear and a bottle of water to full removal of the trees that damaged their home. 

Today we are watching the weather heading towards this area and our home chapters, hoping the weather guys are wrong for once.

Dale Chambers is the manager of the Jefferson County Service Center.