Gallery Furniture loves to receive blogs from the field from folks who are a part of our service projects. Often, in situations like those following Hurricane Ike, Gallery Furniture finds that the greatest good is served by giving to large organizations so they can distribute to individuals in need, like the men and women who are helping to rebuild communities impacted by the storm. That's why Gallery Furniture has sponsored the USO Mobile Canteens to go along the Texas Gulf Coast from Galveston to Crystal Beach and provide a warm meal and bring some basic comforts along to residents and folks rebuilding.
Here's a blog from Tonia White, a Director of Development for the USO, with her report from the field:
JAMAICA BEACH, TX - "Do you think you could leave it on until Letterman?" the Chief asked. "Its been so long since I watched TV." Unfortunately, the crew of the USO Mobile Vehicle that contained the 2 coveted flat screens had planned on packing up just after the Monday night football game was over. The crew had brought the almost 40 foot RV out to Jamaica Beach, one of the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast, that afternoon to give the remaining residents and the local first responders a brief touch of home through Monday Night Football and grilled hamburgers.
Volunteer Fire Chief Steve Spicer and his crew of twelve men have been watching over their city of Jamaica Beach since Hurricane Ike hit the area over 30 days ago. They were part of the first responders in the region. Although they now have water, ice and electricity in their building, the rebuilding still continues in the remaining areas. Chief Spicer sits back in his chair, his half chewed cigar poised purposefully in his left hand, " I will gladly talk to you about my men", my question about him and his own contributions left politely ignored. Besides the massive amounts of destruction and debris, they most noticed the horrid stench and huge numbers of biting green flies, "It was almost biblical," he added.
They found ways to improvise a working area by salvaging picnic tables for desks and a barbecue pit nicknamed 'Ike' to have hot meals on occasion. Mostly the Chief prays for nightfall, when he says the calls for medical or other aid diminish, and he can have a brief respite from his demanding role until the next daybreak. One of the most remarkable aspects of Chief Spicer and his men is that they are all volunteers, and do not have any idea how long the rebuilding will take. All are wondering what fires will come when the electricity is finally restored to the damaged area.
They have made a home above the firehouse and periodically share their space with firemen from surrounding areas that come to lend support in 48 hour shifts. Today a crew from Missouri City, TX helps with keeping watch, although things have been relatively quiet on this Monday night.
That is until the USO arrived. Sponsored by local Houston furniture dealer and consistent philanthropist, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, the USO and Mattress Mack partnered to bring to the firemen, EMTs, Coast Guard and remaining residents a sense of normalcy and home for at least one night. The USO brought the high tech mobile vehicle with connectivity, flat screens and X Box games, Mattress Mack supplied the food, and news spread through emergency radios or anyone passing by well-lit firehouse. The USO and Mack have been providing relief to several areas in the region over the last few weeks and even though its not the USO's usual mission, they continue to "serve those who serve us" in the devastated region.
Thanks a million, Tonia, for your report from the field. Gallery Furniture is proud to partner with the USO and their Mobile Canteens to bring some small comforts of home to those along the impacted area! Tonia event sent some photos along to highlight the positive impact the Gallery Furniture sponsored USO mobile canteens are bringing:

Chief Steve Spicer (foreground) and Jamaica Beach City Manager John Brick (back).

Daybreak at the Gallery Furniture sponsored mobile canteen in Jamaica Beach.
These colors don't run... a patriotic tribute to show strength in face of the adversity and after the damage wrought by Hurricane Ike.

A familiar sight around Jamaica Beach and other impacted areas - boats came ashore during Hurricane Ike and left scattered on streets and lawns.
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