Melissa Sharrer of Rocky Ridge, a member of the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company, was disappointed that she could not answer the call from the Red Cross to help as a rescuer in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. A health problem kept her in Emmitsburg but she found another way to help.

Melissa worked with fire companies from across the county to collect clothing, toys, toiletries, books and some canned food to send to Mississippi. She coordinated her efforts with Operation Samaritan who brought a semi-truck trailer for her to load with her collections. The same company drove the trailer to Jackson, Mississippi where it was donated to the Salvation Army who will distribute it among families left in the area.

Family members, friends, and church members all came to Melissa’s call for help. They sorted through boxes, organized the donations and packed them on the trailer. "It’s great to know that when we all work together it can really do great things," said Melissa.

Mike Murphy of Braddock Heights Fire Department was very helpful in the collection drive said Melissa. He helped deliver 6 pickup truck loads and one dump truck load of goods to her house. The items were stored temporarily on Melissa’s property in storage trailers donated by Reichs Ford and Tractor.

Mt. Tabor United Church of Christ and Mt. Tabor Lutheran church members were instrumental in helping get the tractor trailer packed and ready to go. "This was my idea, but I couldn’t have done it without help. Over 100 people worked together to make this possible," said Melissa.