PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Send Me Missions, a dedicated non-profit from Hardee County, is mucking and gutting homes in Punta Gorda that suffered from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
On Friday, FOX 4 met with the selfless volunteers diligently working on three homes along Gussie Street, their hands covered in mud, embodying the spirit of service.
Watch FOX 4’s Alex Orenczuk report on Send Me Missions helping out residents in Punta Gorda after Hurricane Helene:
“I was blessed”: Send Me Missions mucks and guts flooded homes in Punta Gorda
Nicole Drake, a volunteer with years of experience in disaster recovery, shared her thoughts: “Sometimes, smaller communities are overlooked. While larger areas draw the spotlight, there are still profound struggles in these quieter regions.” She emphasized the impact even a single family could have when offered support, allowing them to inch closer to recovery. Drake’s organization has committed the last decade to helping those in need, a mission rooted in compassion and connection.
“Our faith drives us to love one another,” she continued. “This love might mean picking up a crowbar to remove soaked drywall or carrying a waterlogged couch to the curb. While we cannot resolve every issue, we can offer our compassion and assistance, making a difference, one step at a time.”
Patti Laine, a homeowner receiving the urgent help, recounted her harrowing experience when the storm surges from Helene reached three feet inside her home. “I had to call for help to get us out,” she said, pointing to the remnants of her life now scattered about her living space. “And this is what’s left.”
Patti felt overwhelmed with gratitude as the volunteers who had initially focused on a neighbor’s home turned their attention to hers. “They came by and I was blessed, I just can’t believe it,” she expressed, her voice choked with emotion. Such moments of unexpected kindness stand out amidst the wreckage, reminding everyone involved that humanity often shines brightest in the darkest times.
Send Me Missions isn’t just about rebuilding homes; it’s about restoring hope and spirit. As they labor through the muck, there’s an unspoken bond formed over shared challenges and compassion. The resilience of the community, combined with the steadfast dedication of these volunteers, creates a powerful tapestry of recovery. Far more than just a task, their work represents a profound reminder that love, in all its forms, can uplift even the most devastated hearts.
In times like these, a local business, Punta Gorda Produce, has stepped up to support the ongoing recovery efforts, providing fresh meals to volunteers and those affected. It’s this community spirit, embodied by both organizations and individuals, that fuels the recovery process.
So, as the muck and gut operations continue, each gentle act of kindness—each crowbar lifted or piece of furniture removed—adds a thread to the robust fabric of hope and healing stitched together by the resilient residents of Punta Gorda and their unwavering allies.
