The Salvation Army’s Gene Eppley Camp was hit hard on Friday during the wicked storm and ever since they’ve been busy cleaning the area up before the campers arrive this Saturday.
It’s a role reversal for the Salvation Army normally helping others during a disaster but this time they need the community’s help picking up with Mother Nature left off.
“We are usually the ones who are out on the street at the time of need helping with whatever we can and so this time I don’t like to call us victims, we are survivors and so we are the ones in need and assistance from the community,” said Major Poppy Thompson.
Trees are picked apart, the dining hall’s roof has holes currently being patched up along with rows of cabins needing some work.
Thompson said 41 of its 47 buildings sustained damage and could cost more than a half-million dollars to repair.
“We're just working really hard to get that camp experience back,” said Thompson.
This is a camp experience the counselors want the kids to enjoy even if the camp wont look the same anymore, “seeing them do new things go down the zipline, do archery which is gone now. swim in the pool which is getting back up and running,” said counselor Michaela Lendt.
So now the counselors teamed together to do the most good, the Salvation Army’s motto.
“We knew we had to pitch in and get going so we're all out here picking up sticks and twigs and branches throwing away stuff that's been damaged so that we can safely get kids back on the camp as soon as possible,” said Lendt.
But worries still linger as weather forecasts predict more storms on the way.
Thompson said it could take a year before the camp looks the same way again.
The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers, you can call 402-898-5900.
They will also accept donations in the form of money, you can find more information on this website: http://www.salarmyomaha.org/
