Lending a hand

In the aftermath of any major disaster, the cleanup period that follows can be daunting and disheartening. It's a big boost when neighbors come to help, not only sharing the work but providing a show of support when everything looks so bleak.

In the wake of the April 2 tornado in Caruthersville, Mo., much of that city on the Mississippi River was in shambles: 141 homes destroyed, 22 mobile homes and 30 duplexes destroyed, 105 homes damaged, 60 residents treated for injuries.

Volunteers from the Cape Girardeau and Jackson public works departments joined other volunteers from throughout Southeast Missouri and took heavy equipment to Caruthersville to make a dent in the cleanup that has now been turned over the private contractors.

Crew members from Cape Girardeau and Jackson where a bit overwhelmed by the destruction, but they said they were glad they could help out.

It is support like this that turns disaster into a show of compassion. We join the residents of Caruthersville in expressing our thanks to the workers who saw fit to help out when help was needed the most.