A woman from the Quad Cities lost her house when a tree fell on it in Georgia during Hurricane Helene.
“Like, the whole back end is broken, I can’t get into the front of my house.” What Katie Quimby said.
She said that her mum had booked the family a hotel room hours before the tree fell on Thursday.
The family of the 2019 graduate from United Township is living with friends because they’ve lost everything.
Shirley Helmick, Quimby’s aunt, has been gathering clothes, toys, and other things.
Quimby said she was thankful that her family was there for her.
“This is just when the family gets together to do what needs to be done.” Helmick said.
Helmick said that people in the community have also called out to help Quimby, and that friends are putting together a care package for him.
“I always say the Midwest is strong because we stick together when things go wrong.” Helmick said.
Helping on the ground
One Quad Citian has been sent by the Red Cross to help with Helene’s relief operations. A regional communications manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois named Jayce Eustice said that the worker is one of about 20 from Illinois.
“We’re seeing our volunteers sent down there and moved around to where they need to be so they can help the most people.” Eurasian.