Going the extra mile: Red Cross volunteers brave the woods to reach cut-off community

By Nikki Mayville, Red Cross Writer

Linda and Chris Luck go to great lengths to help people in need – figuratively and, in the case of their recent deployment to Livingston, Texas, quite literally. When devastating storms struck Southeastern Texas in May, the New Hampshire couple eagerly volunteered to lend a helping hand, even if it meant trekking a mile through the woods to reach a neighborhood that had been completely cut off due to flooding.

Red Cross volunteers Chris and Linda Luck

"The call came in at 2 p.m., and we left first thing the next morning," said Chris, recalling the day when a fellow Red Cross volunteer from New Hampshire called and asked if the couple would be willing to go to Texas after the initial wave of volunteers finished their deployment. 

The Lucks were assigned to help with damage assessment, which meant going to different neighborhoods and assessing the needs of each community. 

"One of the last houses was in Cleveland, Texas, but the bridge was out and we could not reach some of the houses we were hoping to get to," said Linda.

Using their GPS, the Lucks tried to get closer. While they were figuring out their next move, some locals appeared from the woods. They were some of the many residents whose property had been flooded and who no longer had a road to drive on. They had walked over a mile to get to where the Lucks were parked.

The locals informed the Lucks that there was a whole neighborhood of at least 120 residents who could no longer be reached. 

"They told us that if we walked into the woods for a mile, we could get to the first house," said Linda. 

Chris volunteered to walk in and see the situation, unsure of what he’d find.

 "They told me to go down to the road that's now a beach and not to go left... That's where the wild dogs were. So I kept right and walked about a mile to the first house," he added.

Once Chris reached the first house, he could see that it would be difficult for him to go any further without someone who knew the area to accompany him. The Lucks decided to turn back and inform their supervisor about the neighborhood so that they could arrange to get food and equipment out to them.

The next evening, a message went out asking if people were able to go on a special mission that night. As it happened, the Lucks were leaving the next day, but several other Red Crossers volunteered to trek out through the woods. The mission to obtain and deliver shelf-stable food, water, and dog food was successful. They also met with numerous grateful residents to assess property damage and to identify additional needs of the community.

When they landed back in New Hampshire, the Lucks received the good news that the road had been flattened, and that vehicles with much-needed food and equipment were finally making it into the area.

This recent assignment to Texas marks nine deployments for Chris and Linda in a little less than two years. When asked what motivated them to deploy, the Lucks shared that it comes down to the humanity that you see in the face of disaster and the impact you can have.

"Helping people, even if it's just spending a few weeks, can really make a difference," said Linda. "It's always a learning experience," added Chris, "and the gratitude that people show is really incredible."

The Lucks recall a recent deployment to California where they helped distribute food and supplies to families devastated by floods. 

"You feel like Santa Claus when you show up with a big bag of food and supplies," Chris said. "So many people are in need, but the best of them always shines through – you might see someone who lost everything only taking a little to make sure that their neighbor has access to food and supplies, too."

What would Linda and Chris say to potential Red Crossers? 

"Jump in with both feet," said Chris. "Try it out, even if it's local, just to get a taste of it." 

As this former associate professor and former safety officer prove, people from all walks of life can make a meaningful impact as Red Cross volunteers. Regardless of their backgrounds or prior experiences, volunteers of any age and occupation can help communities in need – whether it's assessing damage after devastating floods or providing a warm cup of hot chocolate at a local fundraising event. The Red Cross welcomes compassionate individuals who are eager to lend a hand and make a difference in the lives of others facing difficult circumstances.

Your donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters big and small. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance, as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses and people that make this help possible. Visit redcross.org/donate to make a gift. Every single donation makes a difference in someone’s life.