below the mean low tide line: October 2011

Everyone knows my feelings about the Outer Banks and especially Hatteras Island. I am more than obsessive about it, :)

When Hurricane Irene rolled through her initial punch was not to bad as hurricanes go in the Outer Banks but her back side kick was devastating, especially for residences on the Island. The sound storm surge broke records beyond the previous super storm. Houses were inundated with water and muck from the sound, vehicles were under water. Many homes are not livable and if they weren't destroyed or severely damaged by the surge from the sound they will have to be renovated extensively and many have been and will be demolished. The residences vehicles are not drivable and is questionable if they can be restored.

Their only road to the mainland RT 12 was severed by the formation of new inlets that has blocked any ability to get on or off the island except by long ferry ride. Rt12 just opened this week!! Reliable electrical power to the mainland was severed and after days without, power was re-established with generator running the islands with limited capabilities until power could be established from the north. And residences that had evacuated were not allowed to return in a timely manner adding to the stresses of their families and to the need to return to clean up. Over half of the island population does not know what is in store for them when they return to their homes.

Right now many of the people that live on Hatteras Island are not only without their homes in a livable state, possessions damaged and or destroyed, vehicles that do not run, and no jobs until life returns to the Islands. They really need just a little help with the basic necessities until they can get things cleaned out, and cleared out and they can return to work. This is not a long term hand out as you can tell by the list below.

Many of the wonderful people of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands have lived here for many generations dating back to the first settlers in the late 1500's and beyond to the Native Americans that inhabited this Islands thousands of years before. Many of these people are my friends and distant relatives of my family. They are not a wealthy people, but they are a strong, hard working, kind people that I have seen them give the shirt off their backs even when it was their only shirt. When we were their last April and NC suffered their biggest record Tornado outbreak in history, Bertie Co just a few counties over was devastated. I was talking with a gentleman on the Island who with not much of his own was going to gather what he had to give to the folks of Bertie Co. This is what the people are like on the Islands, I love and care about the people. Another example was a gentleman walking in waist deep water with his own home flooded, was being asked if he needed help; stated, “Nope I’m fine need to check on my neighbors and help them out”. This is Hatteras Island!

There are so many trying to help others it is just amazing!!!! Kaia's Kitchen & Market who has been preparing meals for those on the Island, incredible!! you can find them on FB. Be sure to stop in and give them your business when on the island. The Really Really Free Market is open for all who need the necessities. I have included the Free market list for those to help out if you would like to help. It is set up just around the corner from where we stayed in Salvo. The Address is there to ship and it will be delivered.

Also if there are items for the food pantry you would like to send, please non perishables, the pantry is running low. Or to save shipping a donation will do, 100% goes to the food pantry!

I know many of us have a lot of these items as extras at home and all it would cost is the shipping of UPS/FEDEX. Every little bit helps and goes so far!!!

When we visit Hatteras Island... we will be bring less of our normal things and more for Hatteras Island.

Please help it would be so appreciated !

Thanks bunches!!!

Hugs to you all

Jacque

COMPILED RESOURCE LIST FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO 'HELP'

This is the most recently posted needs list, and what I have been told by others, that important items are in great need are :

**First aid Items: Neosporin, alcohol, peroxide and band-aides. Anything like that that can be donated travel well and I can take with me and saves you on shipping!!!!!!

**Bug spray especially with DEET!!!!!! I already purchased all that the target at 116th street had ...on clearance and sent down there, you might check others and see if there are any and I can take it with me also!!!!

**socks all sizes and underwear was last week, I am sure it is something I would want!!!

**Coats, Jackets, sweatshirts new or gently used. is always a high priority!! It does get chilly, and with the wind in the winter it can get down right chilly! It was in the 30's and 40's last dec. when we were there last year. I have a few jackets and sweatshirts I'm taking with us.

I have collected some seeds for the seeds for Salvo project, just wish I had more...

Were taking all sorts of others items including Halloween candy, kids need some sense of normal, and folks won't have the extra funds to purchase Halloween candy. I know it is not a necessity, but from a kids standpoint, it is!!!!!

I am sure we won't have enough room but I saw where there are teachers I believe, that are collecting Christmas decorations. I had not even thought that far.

We have food for the food bank. towels, blankets, as I said we are filling up the car as much as the little Toyota will hold.....this is when I wished I had a lead sled to drive!!!!!!!

Thanks all that have helped, and those who have yet
CURRENT MOST NEEDED/REQUESTED ITEMS:
(Gently Used) furniture, especially beds - refrigerators, stoves **Any
homeowners, especially part time property owners, who may be trading
out furniture or appliances, please let us know so we can arrange for
someone who needs them to use your "tradeouts"
FLEA and TICK medicines/collars/shampoos/treatments for pets (the
fleas are particularly fond of our post-hurricane conditions right
now)
Halloween Candy and small toys for Trick Or Treat
New pillows
Plastic storage totes with lids (for people without permanent
accommodations, to store their belongings)
Waterproof Tarps (to cover up people's belongings that have to be left
outside until their homes can be rebuilt).
Cat Food/Kitty Litter
Rubber Boots
Men's Shorts - new or gently used
Non-perishable food items
Soccer cleats, shin guards, basketball shorts (kids 5-17 years old)

Shower Gel (liquid bath soap)
Sweatshirts (especially "hoodies") and jackets/coats, all sizes
Toasters or Toaster ovens
Fans
New Underwear - all sizes
Blankets (new or gently used)
Bug Spray
Band-aids and Large Ban-daids, peroxide and rubbing alcohol

toys *New Toys will be saved for the Hatteras Island Angel Tree,
trash cans, laundry baskets
mixers, bowls
work boots and "sneakers"/tennis shoes
Tools (many tri-village and Avon residents used their tools to make a
living, and lost them in the storm)

Bookcases or display racks (for Really Free Market to borrow and return)

Clothing in good condition will be welcomed, but is not as urgently
needed as the other items listed above.

SHIPPING ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS OF 'ITEMS' for the Really Really Free Market
Hatteras Island Family Medicine
Attn: Alex Hodges
50204 Water Association Road
Frisco, NC 27936

MONETARY DONATIONS FOR THE FOOD PANTRY, THAT WILL HELP TO SUSTAIN
EVERYONE THROUGH THE WINTER: Monetary donations can be made by check
to United Methodist Men and sent to Hatteras Island Food Pantry at
P.O. Box 1591, Buxton, N.C. 27920. Your donation is tax deductible.

To donate ONLINE, through PayPal, to buy tickets for Hatteras Island
CHILDREN to be able to enjoy the Community Fair, celebrating the
Spirit of Hatteras Island, visit
https://www.facebook.com/HICommunityFair look for the red box to
"Give". Your donation is tax deductible.

below the mean low tide line

Monday, October 17, 2011

It is discovered......

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Please give kindly to Hatteras Island