Gov. Chris Gregoire Visits Flood Victims, Volunteers

For Immediate Release: January 18, 2008

BOISTFORT � Washingtonians hit by the vicious December rain and wind storms in Southwest Washington still need donations, Gov. Chris Gregoire said today as she had lunch with storm victims and the volunteers who have helped them recover.

The lunch, which included crab cakes donated by Maryland Gov. Martin O�Malley after the Seahawks� victory over the Washington Redskins, was held at the Boistfort Grange Hall. Over 100 people from Lewis County communities attended the lunch.

In the six weeks since storms hit the area, countless individuals have volunteered thousands of hours to assist in relief operations. In addition to on-going state and federal assistance to affected communities, non-profit organizations and private companies continue to contribute cash, clothing, toys, as well as food and water to storm victims.

And more needs to be done.

�I�m impressed by how the community has pulled together to respond to this disaster, but people here still need outside help in the form of cash and volunteers, to deal with what will be a long-term recovery effort,� Gregoire said.

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