If you saw the fire-brigade lines, and if you held to some religion, you might see that proverbial, elusive face of God, every color, every shape, every size, children no more than three feet off the ground hoisting bags so big they shouldn't even try, little girls tying, a one-armed guy swinging them up to my arms because the it saves the effort of the full lift, so important after five days' strain on your stiffening lower back. Getting the rhythm, making a system, out of nothing.
Keep busy, keep working, it helps you to not just fucking cry.
If not proximate to us, it's worth reposting these resources from Govinda's diary:
The American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter serves the greater Cedar Rapids ADI, which includes Iowa City.
You can also donate by phone or mail (319) 393-3500, or mail a checks or money orders to:
American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter
PO Box 10375
Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0375
Specific to Iowa City, the coordinating agency is the United Way of Johnson County.
United Way of Johnson County
1150 5th Street, Suite 290
Coralville, Iowa 52241-2933
telephone: 319/ 338-7823
fax: 319/ 339-7337
info@unitedwayjc.org
Will update this for other regions as I can get back to the computer.