A Thank You Letter To The People Of Johnstown, In Response To Hurricane Harvey Relief | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A Thank You Letter To The People Of Johnstown, In Response To Hurricane Harvey Relief

I was looking for the helpers, and I found them in Johnstown.

562
A Thank You Letter To The People Of Johnstown, In Response To Hurricane Harvey Relief
Nicki Waligora

Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A city famous for its floods and steel industry, now so often seen in a negative eye. People look at the drugs, the shootings, and the poverty, and often have trouble looking past those things to see the real heart of the city, and the beautiful hearts the people of Johnstown have.

I just so happen to think that Johnstown is pretty great. And I think the way the people of Johnstown pull together for the sake of others is even better. There are a lot of really awful things happening the world, and specifically our in nation right now. The response of Johnstown to those in need is nothing short of inspiring, amazing, and a true reflection of who we really are.

As a community, we just sent seven tractor trailers to Texas. Those tractor trailers were full of donated supplies. People donated their time to load the trucks. People donated countless, very necessary items to complete strangers. Trucks and trailers were offered up to be utilized. People volunteered to drive trucks there and back. The initial goal was to fill one trailer, yet somehow a city of just over 20,000 people managed to completely fill 7 tractor trailers in just a few weeks. An idea didn't become reality, an idea became a dream come true.

Thank you, Johnstown, for reminding us all what this great city is all about. Thank you for shining such a bright light on such a damaged city, and on such a horrific event. Thank you to everyone who donated any time, or any treasure. Whether you ran the show, or donated one item, you made a difference. You are a blessing to this city, a great example to everyone you meet, and a life saver to those affected by the hurricane. God will surely bless you.

This entire experience calls to mind my favorite quote from Mr. Rogers,

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.

I was looking for the helpers, and I found them in Johnstown.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185387
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11635
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455520
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25136
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments