GLH Dealer helps rebuild the gulf coast
News, Agronomy, Staff, Dealers | September 20, 2005
With the major devastation in the Gulf area, most of you have had opportunity to contribute to the relief and rebuilding projects there. One of our dealers, Keavin Hill from Orient, Ohio, has accepted an assignment in Slidell, Louisiana
This area has been reported as 80% destroyed. Keeven has taken two of his semis, a bulldozer and a skid loader, along with some supplies. He will be working for some time assisting the efforts in the area.
Great Lakes is helping to pay Keavin’s expenses during his project. Below is some information he passed along to us after the first few days in Louisiana.
From his DSM, Don Eppley:
“Now I understand we can’t all take the time nor do we have the equipment to take on a project like this but Keavin has the equipment, and he will step up to a monumental project like this, now he did not ask for help. He will stay the course on his own if necessary. My thought was, what a great way for the GLH family to get behind one of our own and cover Keavin’s expenses. I will tell you this if there is any money left, Keavin will not bring it home it will all stay there to help others.
Now a little bit about Keavin he is a Born Again Christian who not only talks the talk he also walks the walk he is always looking for a need then he fills it. This is a huge need and Keavin is doing his part to fill it. I am asking all of you to dig deep, maybe even give MORE than we THINK we can give. I assure it will come back to you in ways we never thought of. Thanks in advance for your help.”
From Keavin after a few days in Slidel (through Don Eppley):
“I talked to Keavin today about the conditions there, and he said it is even worse than it looks on TV. They are staying in the gutted out shell that was a Baptist church, sleeping on the floor with no electric, water or phones. They did get portable showers in today and they do have ample food and water.
Keavin said that 80% of the town was destroyed by the storm and he thought what was remaining would most likely need to be knocked down. Then comes the problem of what to do with the rubble and debris – there will be mountains of it.
Keavin worked today with his dozer to clear two feet of sludge from the church parking lot to make an area to park equipment and make a base to work from. I asked Keavin what he needed from us? He said two things: prayers for strength and cash for fuel. He’s been there two days and has spent $1200 for fuel.”
As we hear more from Keavin, we will post it here.
Donations can be made through the Salvation Army for the cleanup from hurricane Katrina.
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Don Eppley – Can you please post updates from Keavin when you get them, or forward them on to me and I will post the updates!
Thanks!
Clint
Here’s an update from Keavin Hill (11/9/05):
I want to thank all of you for the contributions toward helping the recent hurricane victims. We took two semi-trucks to Slidell, LA. It’s about 20 minutes from New Orleans. One was full of non-perishable food, over 2.5 tons of water and other donations. In addition, we were able to send several chains saws and generators, which were put to good use and are still being used currently. The otehr semi hauled a bulldozer and skidsteer, which we used all week to clear debris.
Initially, we had a team of five men who went down and worked with the First Baptist Church of Slidell. This church is a disaster relief center for Slidell. The church had been flooded with up to 6’ of water. It required much cleaning and tearing our of mud and water-soaked walls… The work was not completed when we had to return home. Many relief workers are still being housed there. By the time we left, more than 200 people were working out of that center. There are cleaning crews and mud-out crews. While we were there, more than 4,500 meals a day were being served. There is a large “store” set up and people could come get food, water, clothing and other things that they need.
Another team of seven when down there last week and helped rebuild the church and school. The pictures cannot describe the devastation. It is because of the giving of many folks that we are able to serve.
As you may or may not know, I am currently working with the clean-up effors in New Orleans, Gulfport and the surrounding areas. I have taken down our dozer, trucks and other equipment. I am staying in our camper that we use at the county fair. We are blessed to be “camping” at a horse farm. The owner was willing to let us hook up electricity, water and sewage for each camper. There are so many good people that I have met while down here. I am frustrated to report that the clean-up is slow and hampered by bureaucracy. Although I am hoping to produce an income and am not working on a volunteer basis, I have been able to assist people along the way because of the donations of Great Lakes Hybrids. Please know your money was used wisely.
Sincerely, Keavin Hill, Orient, OH