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Bob Barnes could write a book about trip to Alabama

The money donated was desperately needed in Tanner and Harvest, Alabama. And, he writes, 'I explained to every recipient that this was not from me, but from the community of Columbia and Adair County, KY.' Every dollar sent was given to those in need in Alabama, except one, and that went in an offering plate. Now, back home, he writes reflection from on the road, with plea to everyone to understand the objectives of the Walmart policies, and to remember the store's generosity in the community. 'I cannot explain how happy I am to be a resident of this community,' he writes
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By Bob Barnes

COLUMBIA, KY (2011-05-09) - After spending 6 days in the ravaged communities of Tanner and Harvest, Alabama I returned home around 9 p.m. Saturday.

While driving home I reflected back on the trip and those who made it such a success.



There is no way for me to express enough gratitude to those who sent goods, money and prayers.

The total value of all items donated would have to be over $7,000. I only wish those who helped these victims could have seen the tears of gratitude and the sincere thank-you's which I did.

I explained to every recipient that this was not from me but from the community of Columbia and Adair County, KY.

I have been asked by four different churches or groups to tell about my trip.

My problem is trying to condense the presentation to anything under several hours. I truly feel that I could write a book about my experience and the people we helped.

I am sorry I was not able to give a list of the actual items taken.

As soon as I pulled up to Tanner High School to drop off the donated goods, people were asking if they could have some of the items.

Many of these people had lost everything they owned.

I arrived at these communities before the Red Cross and United Way. The money was desperately needed. It was used for U-Hauls, tarps, fuel for generators and motel rooms just to mention a few of the needs met by your donations.Not knowing who needed financial help the most, I relied on the plea for help from Representative Micky Hammon. He was on the radio begging for help for the local people.

Three thousand of our dollars were left at his office to distribute. I requested some of this money be given to the grandchildren of two who perished during the tornado. The grand parents had just received custody of the children 3 days prior to the tornado.

I regret any negative feelings that our community has for our local Walmart. I did not ask for the required permission to set a collection point for donations. I realize there are a few people that take advantage of disasters and would keep anything donated for themselves. Our local Walmart donates over $50,000 a year to our community.

And actually, it really was a blessing in the way it turned out because of the money needed immediately by the victims.

I know those who donated did not do it for recognition, but I feel that I must publicly thank them. They are as follows:
Suzanne Johnson, Melissa Magsum, Louis and Brenda McQueary, Rick and Sandy Wilson, Dana Harvey, Dick and Mary Knight, Marci and Doug McCammish, Linda Wilkerson, Betty Olstead, Mike Neal, Columbia Masonic Lodge, Leigh Ann Walker Parkinson, David and Shannon Thomas, Bob and Diane Benningfield, Ricky Williams, Sammy and Angela Dean, Murray and Juanita Scott, Patsy Robinson, Linda Waggener, Kim and Chad Barnett, Betty Coop, Greg and Julie Burton, Burton Family Farms, Randy Camfield, Jason and Jennifer Corbin, Destiny Burton, Kim and Bob Brian, Terry Harvey, Georgina Roy, Mt. Hope Separate Baptist Church, Mike Curry, Anthony and Caroline Hale, and 2 anonymous donors.
Every item and all money except for 1 dollar was given away. I put that dollar in the offering plate on Sunday.

I had to pay for no meals or lodging while I was in Alabama, so the money I took of my own was donated also.

I cannot explain how happy I am to be a resident of this community. Thanks again. Sincerely, -Bob Barnes


This story was posted on 2011-05-10 02:46:43
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Bob Barnes is back with heartwarming report



2011-05-10 - Holladay Place, Columbia, KY - Photo by Ed Waggener.
Bob Barnes, shown above as he was preparing for his epic relief trip to Harvest and Tanner, AL, is back with a heartwarming report of his mission there, and with new, very Christian, insight gleaned while reflecting on the events from the whole trip. We hope to add photos from Alabama, later -CM

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