Imagine waking up to a river in your backyard. That's what happened to the Gebo, Adams and Scott families on Charles Street in Mohawk after last weeks flooding. What's left are condemned homes, a pool full of mud, sink holes, a ruined Corvette and all family possessions destroyed. But the flood didn't take anyone's spirit or the compassion of others to help their fellow neighbors. I was amazed at the upbeat attitudes and generosity of so many people when I spent my 4th of July volunteering with The Salvation Army.

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I watched as complete strangers stopped by The Salvation Army on Prospect Street in Herkimer to drop off food. From bread and drinks to cookies and fruit. One man was in town visiting his college son and bought as much food as his trunk could hold. Another couple dropped off bags and bags of cherries they picked from their backyard.

I also watched in amazement, the selflessness of those volunteering at the Salvation Army. There were people in town from New York City, Schenectady and even Massachusetts to lend a hand. Mobile vans delivered breakfast, lunch and dinner while more volunteers stayed behind to prepare those meals. They even delivered cupcakes to an elderly woman who was celebrating her birthday.

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Those who lost everything and stopped by to pick up food or cleaning supplies were just so appreciative. They didn't expect to be helped and some even refused food or water because they felt others needed it more. I don't know which was more moving, the Salvation Army and it's army of volunteers or the flood victims. It's touching to see a community ban together to make a big difference in the lives of so many.

If you want to help, The Salvation Army could use nonperishable food items like apples, oranges, pop tarts, granola bars and other snacks for breakfast tomorrow.  If you would like to volunteer, contact Mohawk Valley Volunteers to arrange when and where help is needed.  You can call them at (315) 223-3973.

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A big thank you also goes out to all the emergency personnel, the first responders, the road crews, the National Guard and anyone else who helped and is still helping clean up after the flood. The victims appreciate everything you're doing, especially those hardest hit on Charles Street.

Take a look at the video from the Gebo family as they woke up to their backyard river.  The second video is what I took when I toured the area today.  The pictures are worth a thousand words.  I looks like a bomb went off and the Scott family even welcomed me, from their front porch, to 'the war zone' when I arrived.

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