Successful Trip to Austell, GA

Operation Photo Rescue had a suscessful copy run in Austell, GA helping eighteen families and bringing back 234 photos. Congratulations to Kiska Moore, Jon Molnar, Eric Stokly, Lisa Vasatka, Laura and Greg Nalesnik, and David and Marge Greenberg. Not only did this group do a great job, but it was their first OPR copy run. (Photos Courtesy: David and Marge Greenberg)

We owe a big thanks to Pat Medlin, Assistant Director, Austell Community Development and Rhonda Lane, Branch Mgr. Cobb County Public Library, for their help in finding us a place to set up headquarters for our copy run. It was decided that the best place would be in the Austell Threadmill Complex (old Coats & Clark thread factory).  There was a very nice suite that had been occupied by FEMA that was made available to us.

Despite some jitters in the beginning the team settle down and did a great job. I think Jon summed it up best: 

I really enjoyed meeting and working with everyone on the team. I was impressed by how fast we assembled into a working team. Plus, the fact that there were no “wall flowers”. Everyone just jumped in and helped and stayed busy. Plus, we all shared a lot of information between us.

Then there were the people we went to help. Although I was in the backroom most of the time shooting, I was still able to meet a few people. I was quite touched by those that we were able to help. The lady I will remember most is the one that Laura mentioned:

One woman said, From now on I am donating to the folks that showed up to help, that’s the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Operation Photo Rescue. You were there for us.”

 She left with a big smile on her face. I know we made a difference for her!!!