Novato Volunteers Pitch In to Help Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast just got nailed by another hurricane, proof that no mercy is being shown by Mother Nature. Thankfully, Good Samaritans are in abundant supply.

Mary Stompe, a 12-year veteran Red Cross disaster volunteer from Novato, was sent to Orange, Texas, on the Louisiana/Texas border to assist with the Louisiana relief effort of Hurricane Isaac. Upon arrival Wednesday, she worked in shelter operations and planned to stay for two weeks — using her vacation time — on a break from her job as executive director of PEP Housing in Petaluma. However, so many volunteers showed up that she was able to head home on Monday.

"It's so worth it that putting my life on hold for a few weeks really means nothing to me and I think it would really mean a lot to the folks impacted by the hurricane," she told ABC7 News. "It's so personally fulfilling to be able to help somebody and get them through that really tough time."

As a Red Cross local disaster volunteer, Stompe assists clients after fires, floods and other disasters. 

Isaac was a reminder that a group from Novato and San Rafael ventured down to Nawlins earlier this summer to aid with ongoing rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Katrina. They were part of ReNew Orleans, comprised of locals associated with Novato's and St. Raphael Church of San Rafael.

Among those who volunteered for the sweaty equity program were Sara Haugen, Emily Power, Leeann Alferness, Collin Spencer, Nicole Thompson, Tiana Petrini, Mariah Dorssers,  Lizzie Lewis, Alex Weitz, Tyler Zhan, David Miramontes, Gena MacDonald, Phil Rountree, Chuck McClellan, Susan Parsons, Beth McMurphy, Matt McMurphy and Diane Boodrookas.

The wrote a story about the group back in July that's worth sharing.