Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and those in the SAM106 listening area, along with our sister station, WFRM in Coudersport, we were able to collect 18,320 pounds of items to be driven to Texas to help those who lost everything when Hurricane Katrina hit.  For pictures of those who helped, click here.

 

Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Pictures of the efforts of WQRM employees and the volunteers who gave of their time to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Many items, 18,320 pounds in all, were donated by listeners throughout our coverage area.  Thanks goes out to the Smethport Fire Department for use of their facility and our sister station, WFRM in Coudersport for their efforts in collecting items to be taken to Texas.  Also, thanks goes out to the corporate help we received from throughout the SAM106 listening area.

 

Story submitted:  William Gaskin, board operator at WQRM-FM in Smethport, initiated "Project Katrina," which the station and area financial institutions sponsored for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, who have been relocated to Sugar Land, Texas, near Houston.
   "William learned about the needed items and where they would go, along with many other details," said Rose Bishop of WQRM, who is coordinating the Smethport effort.
    Morning DJ Brandon Abbott headed the packing responsibilities of the collection which was scheduled originally to leave Smethport on Friday, but was extended until 4 p. m. Sunday, when the trailer, which contained goods ranging from clothing to bedding, school supplies, and personal care items, left the Smethport firehall parking lot.
    With Tom Kline of St, Marys behind the wheel of the Eagle Express cab, the rig went to that company's home office in St. Marys, where six to eight pallets of furniture from Werzalit in Bradford will be loaded for the departure this morning.  Wayne Prechtl will drive the goods to the Sugar Land Baptist Church.
   Bishop recognized the volunteers who helped make this collection a success.  "We could not have done this project without the help of everyone in the WQRM listening area, along with Werzalit's generous donations.  The trip to Texas was made possible by Eagle Express Trucking, Incorporated, donating the truck, tractor, and driver.
   This accomplishment was also made possible by the work of Tami Lapp, Barb Peterson, Kathy Stanton, Lori Ness, Barbara Ness, Phyllis Russell, Patty Witchen, Marion Bush, Tyrone Bishop, and Les Jordan, who assisted in sorting and repacking the items.
   Bishop said that Gaskin, "Sonny" Frey and her mother, Mrs. Daryl Frey, left for Texas Saturday morning to assist with unloading the trailer and other duties.