Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Editorial: An incredible disaster is met by more incredible people
By DI Board
The Daily Iowan, U. Iowa
June 24, 2008

It is important to pause for a moment and reflect on the generous outpouring of community involvement as the extent of the damage caused by this historic flood sinks in. The overwhelming response of individuals and businesses in our community's time of need is indicative of Iowans' work ethic and compassion. Without the magnanimous effort on the part of the community, the damage inflicted could have been far worse.

It would have been easy to gape at the unprecedented floodwaters wreaking havoc on the community. Instead, area residents came out by the hundreds to fight the rising tide. The response of volunteers was so great that at times sandbaggers stood around waiting for more sand to arrive. Ignoring the health risks, nearly 150 stood in knee-deep water, racing against time to construct a vital wall between the encroaching river and Coralville's River Bend development, including the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. It was not only individuals who ensured the sandbagging effort's success; local restaurants and grocers did their part, too. A bounty of refreshments, including drinks, sandwiches, pizza, and other fare, was available to those volunteering. Sandbagging, however, was just the beginning.

A human-chain formed in the library to move rare collections from the basement to the safety of higher floors. Art was successfully removed from the Museum of Art before it was flooded by the swollen river. When it became evident that the English-Philosophy Building was compromised, volunteers worked feverishly to remove everything possible. Code 3 Associates, a nonprofit organization, braved flood waters by boat to rescue pets stranded in houses affected by the floods.

Hy-Vee sold water at cost, losing profit on the venture but providing an immeasurable benefit to those in desperate need of a basic staple. Numerous businesses are offering various percentages of their proceeds in the coming weeks to flood victims, and a relief drive has been initiated in the parking lot of Verde Restaurant, 509 S. Gilbert St., to collect vital items such as bottled water, canned food, and toiletries. The community was in need again and again, and residents responded again and again.

The support continues. The Crisis Center is working with the United Way of Johnson County as well as the Johnson County Department of Human Services to provide individualized help to families struggling with flood-related needs. Their current efforts are focused on moving and storage as well as medical and health care. On June 19, Laundromania offered free laundry services for flood victims, flood volunteers, and National Guard troops at their various locations. The Mill hosted an all-star flood relief benefit concert that night featuring such local artists as Dave Zollo and Public Property. It was a free concert, though donations were encouraged. All proceeds went to the United Way of Johnson County Flood Relief Fund. Coralville native, ex-Hawkeye football player and current San Diego Charger Nate Kaeding returned to the area to participate in a charity fundraiser. A dinner and silent auction were held at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville June 19. The third-annual Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament presented by Corridor State Bank was held June 20. Half the proceeds went to establish a Iowa City/Coralville Area Flood Relief Fund, which will be managed by the Community Foundation of Johnson County.

While those affected begin to piece together their lives, they continue to be met with the unyielding support of their friends, neighbors, and even strangers. We are and should be immensely proud to live in such a supportive, dedicated, selfless community, and everyone who offered assistance to those in need deserves a huge pat on the back. We have a long road back to "normal," but Iowa City and Coralville have come through this disaster shining like never before.

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