“’Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” –Mister Rogers
Hurricane Ian hitting Florida has been a devastating tragedy, but there have been glimmers of hope and kindness shone during the relief efforts. Gulfshore Insurance Inc., J. Miller Insurance Group, and NetVU’s own Lynn Albertson have been a few of those helping in the aftermath of the storm.
“[My family] and I cleared the shelves at Walmart. We got air mattresses, blankets, toothbrushes, deodorant, and diapers. Anything that we could find we grabbed.” Lynn said of the many trips she made to get supplies to those displaced by the storm.
Lynn and her family went to local schools that were collecting food and hygiene items and donated all that they could. She even got her child’s friends involved.
Shelters, schools, and arenas were not the only places she visited when she was going on her runs to donate. Lynn also stopped by some of our members’ offices and homes to make sure everyone was okay.
Gulfshore Insurance Inc. and J. Miller Insurance Group were excited to see her! The storm not only effected families in the area, but also businesses.
Lynn entered these workspaces with phones ringing nonstop and agents hard at work helping those in need after Ian’s severe damages. After a devastating storm such as Ian, office buildings weren’t necessarily accessible, but work still had to be done.
The CEO of J. Miller Insurance Group opened their doors to their team, and from their house the group was making calls, working as normal, and helping clients anyway they could.
Jon Gorman, NetVU executive director expressed his gratitude for the helping spirit exhibited by our members. “It is times such as these where communities come together, and we remember what is important. At NetVU, we are focused on transforming the lives and relationships of our members. It is awesome to see our members doing the same for their customers. Thank you to the agencies and NetVU staff in Florida making a difference after Hurricane Ian. We are so proud to see our members come together and make a difference in their communities.”
Mister Rogers’ words still ring true today, especially after seeing the effects of Hurricane Ian, we see the helpers. NetVU staff and volunteer leaders are grateful for the agencies and staff who have been the helpers, and to the people who will lend a hand in any way they can. Your hard work is not going unnoticed.
If you would like to help those effected by the hurricane in areas most effected, please visit the Southwest Florida Emergency Relief Fund to donate.