September 8, 2005
Albany- The City of Albany and Clear Channel Communications host a candlelight vigil at Veterans Park to remember those who lost their lives and offer hope to those who survived the storm. The vigil was an opportunity for a community that has known tragedy at the hands of mother nature to come together and offer their support.
It began with a prayer for Katrina's victims and survivors.
"The flood victims right now oh heavenly father, they feel like there's darkness and there is no light, but touch their heart," prayed Evangelist Nadine Kidd. More than 60 candles show the community's support and that in the darkest times there is hope.
"It's always good when fellow citizens can reach out to our fellow human beings and show the same type of compassion that we received and I'm proud that Albanians have done just that," said Albany Mayor Willie Adams.
So many in Albany relate to what Katrina's victims are going through and simply wish they could do more.
"I'm so sorry and I wish there was more that I could do directly, I wish I could just leave my job, go down there, stay until everything was all better," said Kim Mills of Leesburg.
"I feel like this was something I could do to help out, I'm doing other things also, but I felt that this was very important, so I decided to come out and pray for the people and I know that through God everything will be all right," said Angela Fillingame of Albany.
Mike Zoellick and his church group took it a step further, traveling to Biloxi to take supplies to victims. His Aunt and Uncle are Katrina victims and he hasn't heard from other family in New Orleans. His family believes this show of unity means everything.
"The fact that people are getting together like this is a big encouraging point for the whole nation, that people can get together to help and that we need to do that," said Mike Zoellick of Lee Co.
Thursday night's event raised 200 dollars for the American Red Cross. So far in South Georgia, the American Red Cross has collected more than $80,000 for Katrina's victims.
Most of the money collected is going right to victims. The Albany Chapter of the Red Cross has handled 183 cases and handed out $127,000 to clients.
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