[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 7, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HOPE SHINES AFTER THE DISASTER

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, a deadly tornado inflicted 
enormous damage in my Congressional district. Yet even in the darkest 
times, the victims of the storm were enveloped in the incredible 
generosity of its neighbors. By Saturday, over 1,400 volunteers 
provided 22,000 meals and snacks and distributed 1,000 health kits.
  Tim Miller and his three sons helped the Suggs family gather their 
belongings after the storm left. Tim Miller said, ``I'm just doing what 
I can to help.''
  Villages resident Al Seiden said, ``Despite our house being destroyed 
. . . if you look around, there are at least eight people, volunteers, 
friends and neighbors who have come in and helped us . . . The spirit 
of this community is unbelievable.''
  Wendy Spencer, the COE of the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism 
adds, ``We are receiving so many offers to help, which is wonderful. 
Our goal is to maximize this generosity to be as effective as it can be 
for meeting the needs of the tornado survivors now and in the weeks and 
months to come.''
  Congratulations to all these volunteers. Great job.

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