ELWOOD—Like many, Linda Southern watched the television news reports on the recent flood devastation in south central Indiana. However, unlike many, Linda could not sit idle and not try to help the victims of the flooding. After several unsuccessful phone calls, Linda was surprised to find that no formal area donation programs had been initiated. So starting 12 days ago, Linda created a program on behalf of the bighearted citizens of Elwood.

Utilizing the Elwood Call Leader newspaper and word of mouth, Linda advertised her donation drive. She rounded up family and friends and requested their help. Her next hurdle was she needed a “home base” for the donation collections. St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation generously offered their building at 201 Anderson Street in Elwood as a collection site. 

For two days, Elwood residents, local churches, the Kiwanis Club and sororities responded to the Linda’s call for help for the victims. Collectively, they brought a mountain of clothing, cleaning products, bedding materials, linens, toiletries, first aid supplies, food items and bottled water. The total donations were nothing short of massive. 

Linda’s next hurdle was to transport the donations to the flood victims. Linda called on Red Gold and RG Transport, the largest transportation company in the area. Brian Reichart, President and CEO of Red Gold, jumped at the opportunity to help. Brian provided an RG Transport tractor, trailer, driver and pallets of ketchup and salsa for Linda’s cause. On Tuesday, June 24, 2008, Linda and her volunteers, including strong young members of the Elwood High School football team, loaded all the donations into the trailer.

The load of “help” was delivered to the Ashbury United Methodist Church, 1751 27th Street in Columbus, IN. The church serves as a central distribution point responsible for getting the supplies to the flood victims. Thanks to Linda and the generous folks and companies in Elwood, the quality of life for many flood victims improved a little today. 

If anyone wishes to make additional donations, please contact Jennifer at the church at (812) 372-4555.