Lend a hand

No matter how large or small, thanks to all who are playing a part in the recovery effort.

As this issue started coming together, the Gulf Coast was pummeled by two extreme hurricanes. Hurricane Katrina swept a wide path of damage and triggered extensive flooding that will take years to repair. Hurricane Rita finished the one-two punch that sent gas prices reeling.

Everyone, from contractors to individual families, are adjusting budgets for higher fuel prices.

While the devastation was incredible, it pales in comparison with the compassion and commitment companies and individuals have shown for fellow Americans affected by these intense storms.

We asked several companies what they were doing to aid in the hurricane relief efforts. The responses were touching and overwhelming.

Some shared personal stories of what they were doing to help evacuees. One individual purchased gift cards at a chain retailer and sent them to an acquaintance for distribution among evacuees. Another person saw to it that an evacuee got a job so his family could get settled and rebuild their lives. Others shared how they organized food, clothing and money drives to help the New Orleans homeless.

The response by companies has been impressive and as varied as the businesses they are in. Many companies matched employee donations; some matches were as much as five to one.

Still other companies are donating truckloads of their products to aid in the recovery effort. Some manufacturers relaxed terms or special-delivered tools and supplies to areas in desperate need.

As the weeks go by, there will be stories of waste and tales of speculators taking advantage of unfortunate storm victims. But it’s truly amazing to see the outpouring of support provided by the people in the world of construction.

I visited McDowell Company in St. Cloud, Minnesota, just as Hurricane Rita was to make landfall. As I waited in the lobby of this well-respected commercial HVAC and roofing firm, I noticed the lobby wall was covered with notes and letters. I curiously perused them, discovering that each one was a thank-you note from a wide variety of charities and groups for donations or time volunteered by company members.

While it was heart-warming, it wasn’t surprising. Throughout the years, I’ve encountered such displays in countless lobbies of contractors’ offices. It’s a continuing testament that contractors are eager to give back to the communities they know and that they also willingly support people they don’t. That commitment to charity extends through to the companies that provide tools and supplies to contractors.

Please take time to read through scores of companies listed on page 69 that have made donations to the recovery effort. I commend them, as well as those companies that responded but shied away from the publicity, for their efforts and kindness.

No matter how large or small, thanks to all who have played a part in the recovery effort.

Published in the November/December 2005 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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