By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Carolers will be singing, “There’s no place like home for the holidays,” again this year. But imagine living in Gatlinburg and no longer having a home to go to. That’s a thought Lisa and Mike Whited, along with their 13-year-old son Cody, cannot bear without trying to do something to help.
“We go to the Smokies all the time. It’s our home away from home,” Lisa said. “We just love it. We got to know the people there. When we heard about the fire we were just devastated. We’ve gotten to know people there. It broke our hearts.”
The fires, which are still considered just a little over 50 percent contained, are responsible for 14 deaths, another 160 people injured, 1,785 structures destroyed along with 17,000 acres of mountain woodlands. Mike noted that as many as 1,800 people in a town of 4,000 have been displaced.
So the Whiteds, who celebrate Lisa’s and Cody’s birthdays this time of year as well as Christmas and New Year’s, will be heading south to Gatlinburg with all the supplies and aid they can collect.
“We just wanted to do something,” Lisa explained.
They spoke to several churches and called Arbors at Island Landing, where they frequently stay, about collecting needed aid items and bringing them down.
“They (Arbors) are housing 200 of the fire victims that have lost everything,” Lisa said, noting the resort was putting those people up at no charge. “They (Arbors) said, ‘We’re on board. Whatever you want to do.’”
The Whiteds immediately began the task of trying to collect things the survivors were in need of most. Some churches have provided assistance. The Bucyrus Fire Department is helping the family collect toys and has said they will make sure the Whiteds have access to a trailer to fill and take down. Collection activities are ongoing in the Wynford school district.
The items the Whiteds are seeking include canned goods, bottled water, personal hygiene items, and new toys for children. Lisa said they will personally gift wrap the toys and go door-to-door at the hotel to deliver them.
“It’s one-on-one with the people that are there,” Mike said.
Cody is doing his part as well. Lisa noted he personally donated gift cards given to him as gifts to go towards the cause. The Whiteds will be collecting items until Dec. 18 when they hope to organize everything for their trip. Those who would like to donate items are asked to call Lisa’s cell phone at 419-617-8492. The Whiteds said they will pick items up from those who are willing to make donations.
Lisa asked that those who might prefer to give money to contact her to arrange an accountable way to do so.
Lisa and Mike said that as a family of faith, this is an opportunity for them to attach hands and feet on what they believe.
“We’re just doing our part as a family and none of this money will pay for our trip,” Lisa said. “We’re not doing this to be recognized.”
Mike added, “It’s about us doing our part as servants.”
There’s no place like home for the holidays, even your home away from home.