Local YMCA sets up Kamp Katrina

Five from Claryville go to LA

By LISA CUTRONI

CLARYVILLE, NY — In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, happy moments are few and far between, but for 50 children, happiness lasted a whole week.

For Bob Eddings, Jeff Daly, Dan Weir, Elizabeth LeBard and Tiffany Connolly, staff members from Frost Valley YMCA, visions of happy smiles and the sound of laughter filled their minds as they boarded their plane to New Orleans early on September 17.

The adventure started when Frost Valley YMCA Chief Executive Officer Jerry Hunchosky wanted to help the victims of Katrina. The staff gathered $10,000, and when Hunchosky received a call from one of his old YMCA colleagues, Sue Edmonds, who had arrived at the West St. Tammany Parish YMCA in Covington, LA the week before, a plan was hatched to send staff to lend a hand.

Upon reaching New Orleans, the staff was shocked by the destruction.

“It was just amazing. There was total devastation everywhere you looked. It was like a war zone; trees were down and houses smashed. The flood compounded the destruction. We walked block after block and saw the contents of each house piled in the front yard. Everything had been ruined by the flood,” said Eddings, community programs director.

The rescue workers arrived at East Jefferson Family YMCA in Metairie, LA, to help clean up the grounds and open the center.

“The shed had been torn down and much of their equipment was damaged. Because the air conditioner had been shut off and it was 95 degrees, mold grew over everything. We had to wash the weights, the walls and the basketball court,” said Weir, conference program coordinator.

Upon arriving at St Tammany’s, the Frost Valley members gave the New Orleans staff a break. “They had been working to clean it up and were so happy to see us. Some of them cried,” Eddings said.

Roughly 50 children, ranging from infant to school age, many of whom had parents working in the hospitals, used the St. Tammany facilities. The Frost Valley members set up Kamp Katrina, as dubbed by Sue Edmonds. They entertained their campers with games and tag, relay races and arts and crafts. The center was open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“For two weeks prior to this, these kids were unable to smile. Now we have them laughing,” Eddings said. The work was tireless and none of the Frost Valley members took breaks. In the 12-hour shift, if someone needed a break, they would switch age groups.

“For me, I saw what was happening on TV and wondered what I could do to help. By going to New Orleans I lost that sense of helplessness. We were able to bring happiness to those kids. I’ve never felt more deeply about how important camp was [until going to New Orleans],” Eddings said.

The Frost Valley members had initially planned to stay until September 24, but after receiving news that Hurricane Rita was on her way, they felt it would be best to leave a day early.

After returning home, the group received a package of cards of appreciation. “One of the little kids that I had only spent two hours with remembered me and what games we played and wrote me a thank you card,” Eddings said.

In the midst of all the devastation, heartbreak and loss, five YMCA staff members from 1,600 miles away brought happiness to those left most vulnerable.