VOL. XXVIII, NO. 2
OCTOBER 31, 1986
Students aid flood victims
Des Plaines homeowners found themselves in desperate need of assistance following the extensive damage of the area's worst flood. All of the Maine West students who answered the call for help by assembling Salvation Army clean‑up kits, sandbagging and helping flooded residents with their clean‑up deserve commendation.
Over 500 students, more than one quarter of the school population, offered their services during a free period to assemble 2400 clean‑up kits in C‑wing gym or to distribute these kits to flood victims. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, the Salvation Army gave each participant a pair of cloth gloves.
Although the City of Des Plaines did not think it necessary to dismiss the entire school during the flood, the victims of the rising river welcomed the aid of some 50 to 100 students who spent one or more days helping the residents sandbag their houses. Several students helped parents, neighbors and friends while others entered flooded regions and provided relief wherever necessary.
Over 500 students, more than one quarter of the school population, offered their services during a free period to assemble 2400 clean‑up kits in C‑wing gym or to distribute these kits to flood victims. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, the Salvation Army gave each participant a pair of cloth gloves.
Although the City of Des Plaines did not think it necessary to dismiss the entire school during the flood, the victims of the rising river welcomed the aid of some 50 to 100 students who spent one or more days helping the residents sandbag their houses. Several students helped parents, neighbors and friends while others entered flooded regions and provided relief wherever necessary.
Post‑flood conditions left many residents burdened by strenuous clean‑up chores. During the Columbus Day weekend many students called either the Civic Center or the Emergency Service Disaster Agency (ESDA) and were assigned to groups of four or five that provided clean‑up services to flood victims. Five students, working on their own after school on Friday, October 10, cleaned out a basement for an 80 year old woman who was too ill to do the extensive work needed.
The community has endured the worst flood in many years and is well on its way to recovery, thanks to the help of the Maine West students. It's good to know that in times of need, the city and community has the support of the Maine West students.
The community has endured the worst flood in many years and is well on its way to recovery, thanks to the help of the Maine West students. It's good to know that in times of need, the city and community has the support of the Maine West students.
