Katrina Help

Jim&MJ · 09-19-2005, 03:29 PM

From the SaintPete Times 9/19/05
Our own Tom (Knight 05 Tom & Cindy)

Florist delivers help to forgotten
By Times Staff
Published September 19, 2005

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Among the many stories from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have come some tales of generosity from individuals moved to do something extra. Here are a few of those stories from North Pinellas:

LARGO - When Tom Salinsky saw the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, he did as many others did. He wrote a check to the Red Cross.

But that still wasn't enough.

"There were a lot of places in Mississippi that were not getting help," said Salinsky, 59. "All the newscasts were from Louisiana, as it should have been, but it made me think it was time for me to do something."

What that something was, he didn't quite know. But he wanted it to be more than cash. And he didn't want to mail it. He wanted to bring it in person.

"I wanted to make sure it got to someone."

So Salinsky, the owner of DJ's Florist in Largo, put up signs, trolled his neighborhood, solicited his customers and ended up with a van packed to the roof with food, water, canned goods and pet food.

"I didn't want cash," he said. "I wanted to bring in things they could use right now. I felt it was more important to get them something to sustain themselves."

Salinsky and his 29-year-old son Tom left Florida on Sept. 8, headed for Gulfport, Miss., with no plan on how to deliver the food once they got there. The overloaded van could do no more than 60 mph the whole way there.

"We weren't sure we would get into Gulfport, but we figured we'd just drive and see what happened," Salinsky said. "We drove straight there, got a few hours sleep by the side of the road."

The two were stopped by the police upon arrival in Gulfport, but armed with the name of a local church that was feeding evacuees, they reached the one-building church in what Salinsky described as a lower-income area of town 5 miles from the coast. Aside from individuals, who were handing out food, and Wal-Mart, which was giving out free ice and water, the neighborhood had yet to see any outside aid.

"We started unloading and there was a big bag of dog food - that was the last thing out of the van," Salinsky recalled. "I told the guy I figured someone would have a dog that needed it, and he told me if it had been two days later, they'd have been eating it themselves."

Salinsky got a tour of the devastated area before he left.

"You see what you have and what you think you need, and then you go there and see no real help, that's a humbling experience."

Church members asked Salinsky and his son to stay overnight, but they decided to come home. The van, now empty, did a much faster 85 mph on the way home.

"We're thinking of maybe around Thanksgiving, we may end up trying to go down again," Salinsky said. "We'll give them a call and see where they are and what they still need."

Though everyone would like to see this.

Jim Johnson

Jim&MJ · 09-19-2005, 03:29 PM

From the SaintPete Times 9/19/05
Our own Tom (Knight 05 Tom & Cindy)

Florist delivers help to forgotten
By Times Staff
Published September 19, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDITOR'S NOTE: Among the many stories from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have come some tales of generosity from individuals moved to do something extra. Here are a few of those stories from North Pinellas:

LARGO - When Tom Salinsky saw the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, he did as many others did. He wrote a check to the Red Cross.

But that still wasn't enough.

"There were a lot of places in Mississippi that were not getting help," said Salinsky, 59. "All the newscasts were from Louisiana, as it should have been, but it made me think it was time for me to do something."

What that something was, he didn't quite know. But he wanted it to be more than cash. And he didn't want to mail it. He wanted to bring it in person.

"I wanted to make sure it got to someone."

So Salinsky, the owner of DJ's Florist in Largo, put up signs, trolled his neighborhood, solicited his customers and ended up with a van packed to the roof with food, water, canned goods and pet food.

"I didn't want cash," he said. "I wanted to bring in things they could use right now. I felt it was more important to get them something to sustain themselves."

Salinsky and his 29-year-old son Tom left Florida on Sept. 8, headed for Gulfport, Miss., with no plan on how to deliver the food once they got there. The overloaded van could do no more than 60 mph the whole way there.

"We weren't sure we would get into Gulfport, but we figured we'd just drive and see what happened," Salinsky said. "We drove straight there, got a few hours sleep by the side of the road."

The two were stopped by the police upon arrival in Gulfport, but armed with the name of a local church that was feeding evacuees, they reached the one-building church in what Salinsky described as a lower-income area of town 5 miles from the coast. Aside from individuals, who were handing out food, and Wal-Mart, which was giving out free ice and water, the neighborhood had yet to see any outside aid.

"We started unloading and there was a big bag of dog food - that was the last thing out of the van," Salinsky recalled. "I told the guy I figured someone would have a dog that needed it, and he told me if it had been two days later, they'd have been eating it themselves."

Salinsky got a tour of the devastated area before he left.

"You see what you have and what you think you need, and then you go there and see no real help, that's a humbling experience."

Church members asked Salinsky and his son to stay overnight, but they decided to come home. The van, now empty, did a much faster 85 mph on the way home.

"We're thinking of maybe around Thanksgiving, we may end up trying to go down again," Salinsky said. "We'll give them a call and see where they are and what they still need."

Though everyone would like to see this.

Jim Johnson

Janice & Ralph · 09-19-2005, 03:55 PM

What a heartwarming story about some wonderful people. I'm proud to know Tom and Cindy, and it looks like they've raised quite a son there too. They have been so kind to Ralph and I through our trials. They prayer quilt that they had their church make for Ralph has become a treasure to us. We make sure we show it to everyone who visits and tell them about what nice people Tom and Cindy are. This story shows that in a big way. Thanks for being used by God, Tom and Cindy and son.

safcrkr · 09-20-2005, 03:28 AM

Tom & Cindy,we LOVE you guys for all you do! Not only for us,but your HEART for others.Also,as Weezie said,you've apparently raised a wonderful Son!
Next time,if we can help,please let us know.
Praise the LORD for people like you all.
Love ya,Ralphie