Flood of assistance

It's been a rough few weeks for much of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, and our misfortune is cascading down the map.

Even as the waters slowly withdraw from the communities and houses, people will need help. A flood does not hit this house or miss that house. A flood spreads its girth evenly and destructively.

In the wake of the Mississippi River's victory over its banks, many people have stepped up to help.

Local bands raised $2,500 for Red Cross flood relief here and in Japan at the Jammin' for Japan and SEMO Flood concert last weekend at the Arena Building. Twenty bands packed stages Friday and Saturday.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra pledged $1 for every ticket sold to its concert Thursday night would benefit the United Way of Southeast Missouri and United Way of Southern Illinois.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri intends to use the money to build its emergency fund, which it uses to help pay for basic needs well after the disaster has passed.

Country artist and Missouri native David Nail is headlining a flood relief concert May 27 in Sikeston, Mo. All proceeds will aid flood victims; to purchase a $10, go to www.semofloodrelief.com or call 800-821-3093.

With a tornado or earthquake, the damage is done and people begin picking up the pieces. With a flood, we watched the waters rise day by day and we'll have to wait for them to recede day by day.

Lucky for this community, we have people willing to help every day.