The simplest acts of kindness can reap the sweetest reward---like letters from local kids.

On April 2, the First Baptist Church and two homes were destroyed in an explosion in Oconomowoc. Emergency personnel put out the fire and evacuated residents while the city contacted the Red Cross.

Waukesha County Disaster Action Team members responded, and opened a reception site at Park Lawn Elementary for those displaced.  With the help of Culver’s, Red Cross was able to provide snacks and meals for displaced families. When it became clear the families could not return to their homes, the Red Cross provided shelter for 27 people, as well as clothing and medication replacement. Follow-up health and mental health services were also offered. In all, the Red Cross assisted 12 families.

Soon after, a teacher from Park Lawn Elementary stopped at the Waukesha County Red Cross office with letters and pictures from her class. Though simple, the message is clear: thank you Red Cross.

Now it is time for the Red Cross to follow the example of these grateful children. Thank you to everyone who helped!

If you would like to respond to help those affected by local disasters like this one, visit our volunteer page.