From toy drives to a visit from Santa, holiday cheer still reaches those struggling after a catastrophe.
Christmastime in the Pacific Northwest comes after more than two feet of rain were dumped onto the slopes of the Cascade Mountains, swelling rivers, overwhelming levees, and flooding multiple communities, especially in the city of Pacific, Washington.
The mid-December floods displaced more than 100,000 people. Homes were destroyed, roads became impassable, and hundreds of people were rescued across at least 10 counties.
But despite the destruction, Pacific is one of many communities working to get as much Christmas cheer out of the season.
That cheer, in part, comes in the form of donations such as warm clothes and necessities, and hot meals shared with a smile and a Santa hat.
Air Force Major David Williams, Squadron Commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and his team helped disaster relief nonprofit United Cajun Navy personnel cook and serve jambalaya to as many as 300 people in Pacific on Dec. 20.
“A proud Louisiana native, Major Williams brought a taste of home and true Cajun hospitality to the Pacific Northwest, reminding everyone that service, compassion, and community have no borders,” the United Cajun Navy said on social media.
Toy, Clothes Drives
Rain-induced flooding also ravaged communities in Central Texas this summer, killing more than 100 people, including 36 children.
Remnants of Tropical Storm Barry traveled north from Mexico and dropped more than a foot of rain in just three hours during the pre-dawn hours of July 4.
Many areas along the Guadalupe River recorded flood waters more than 20 feet deep. The Medina River, the Llano River, the San Saba River, and even the Colorado River also flooded.
Amid their recovery, nonprofits such as Convoy of Hope help bring Christmas cheer for survivors.
“In a season that can carry both joy and sorrow, the Convoy of Hope team was able to host warm and hope-filled distributions in Kerr County,” the organization said on X.
“Many of these families are still recovering from the catastrophic Texas floods that happened earlier this year—making this event even more meaningful. Families walked away with free groceries and toys for Christmas, while over 1,000 local high school students received pairs of Nike shoes and Bombas socks.”
Toy and clothing drives are also being conducted by United Cajun Navy and the Ruka-Storm Foundation for distribution across scores of communities, including 10,000 toys for folks in the Smoky Mountains.
“Smoky Mountain Christmas 10,000 Toy Giveaway for the community is a beacon of hope,” the United Cajun Navy said on social media.
“Many locals are rising above struggles after hurricanes, mudslides, or fires that affected nearby areas. Some found a new home here after fleeing Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and shared their story with our volunteers over coffee.”
By T.J. Muscaro
