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This week's Arkansan of the Week intentionally puts herself in harm's way to get help to those people.
(Ondra Phillips, Red Cross Volunteer) “I will squeeze between trees, poles, rickety roads--but I've got to get there.”
Ondra Phillips is talking about this a Red Cross emergency response vehicle—or, as she calls it, the ERV. The vehicle--and the items inside it, like food, water, and cleaning supplies--are a lifeline for disaster victims.
And whether it's an Arkansas tornado, or a Gulf Coast hurricane, Ondra is likely behind the wheel when it arrives.
(Phillips) “I'm not in near the danger of the people that I'm going to help. Even though I've ridden out a hurricane, and watched a hurricane. Nothing stops me, I'm ready to go.”
And gone she has. Ondra began volunteering for the Red Cross five years ago, and has since been on the front lines in the aftermaths of 16 major disasters--as well as countless fires.
And although she is meeting victims' physical needs, she is also meeting emotional ones--and it's that, she remembers most.
(Phillips) “They are so relieved just to have someone that cares. And some of their stories--some of their stories, you think, ‘This could be me. This could be my family.’”
Ondra packs up to go at a moment's notice--even going to California to help victims of the wildfires there. Working 12 hour days--sometimes three weeks at a time--doesn't slow her down. Her desire to help keeps her going.
(Phillips) “They need you right now. They're so grateful to see you. You make such a difference for that short period of time in their life.”
Ondra will leave Monday to help the victims of this week's flooding in north Arkansas.
If you have someone you'd like to nominate to be the Arkansan of the Week, send an e-mail to scottinman@katv.com.
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