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New Orleans Military Family Receives Special Gift
Deborah F. MacSwain, Special to RedCross.org
Thursday, February 16, 2006 — Born in New Orleans in April 2005 to Jennifer Knowles, a civilian working for the Army Corps of Engineers, and Nick, a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard who was stationed in Iraq, little Emma arrived just a few months ahead of Hurricane Katrina.
Her mother was aware of a program with Spencer's Inc., through its affiliation with the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES), that offers a complimentary layette to children of military personnel. She intended to apply for the gift set of clothing and bedding for a newborn once Emma was a few months old. Spencer’s is a quality infant and child clothing company that is supporting the families of those deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom by providing layette sets at no charge.
But, as Emma turned 4 months old, Knowles’ thoughts weren't on the beautiful layette. They were on the impending storm, Hurricane Katrina, which loomed in the Gulf with its sights set on their neighborhood. With husband Nick stationed in Iraq, Knowles made plans for dealing with the storm.
On Aug. 28, she heard of the increasing severity of the storm and learned about local evacuation mandates through a close friend. Realizing she needed to leave, Knowles packed her truck, helped her neighbors get gas and left the city with her daughters Emma and Jordan, 7, and their family pets – a blind cat named Justice, a guinea pig named Troy and the family fish named Nemo, who was evacuated in a coffee cup.
“It was about 6 p.m. when we hit the bridge,” said Knowles. “It was creepy. Not the worst storm I had seen, but – for the storm being that far away still – it was dark and windy.”
She traveled to Baton Rouge, La., that night to stay with relatives of friends.
“There were 11 of us in a three-bedroom house,” she said. “I was still nursing, so they let me have a room for privacy. The power went out that morning. I had an aunt and uncle in Dallas and knew there was a Corps of Engineers office nearby so I decided to leave for Texas on Tuesday.”
Knowles and her family, including Nemo still in a mug, continued on their journey, staying in hotels for a week at a time. Along the way, they received help from many groups including the American Red Cross.
“The Red Cross lady was so friendly and understanding,” said Knowles. “She told me the funds we received were a gift from the American people and the Red Cross.”
Like tens of thousands of other evacuees, Knowles did not have a local address so she was quite surprised to find a package waiting for little Emma when she visited relatives in Dallas. It was a special gift from Spencer’s that included a pink layette and other much-needed baby items. Unknown to Knowles, her mother had applied to Spencer’s on her behalf.
“It is amazing when you need the help the most, it really does come through,” said Knowles.
A few months have passed since the hurricane changed their lives. Knowles found an apartment that would accept pets and hopes to get a job with the Army Corps of Engineers in Texas. She made a single trip back to New Orleans hoping to salvage some belongings. Unfortunately, all was lost except for a few plastic containers and a duffel bag they had in the attic.
Her husband was granted an early leave from Iraq to help his family recover. The couple has seen each other once since his return, as he is now back in his civilian role with the Army Corps of Engineers in Baton Rouge. Their older daughter Jordan misses her “normal life,” but is busy in school and receiving counseling. Little Emma is as cute as can be, and Justice, Troy and Nemo are all doing well, too. Thanks to Spencer’s philanthropic efforts, the family’s newest bundle of joy received a special gift just when it was needed most.
Spencer’s Inc., based in Mt. Airy, N.C., has been a partner of the American Red Cross since 2002, donating more than 2,400 layettes since the program’s inception following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The organization is grateful to Spencer’s Inc. for their efforts and appreciates the company's relationship with the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services program.
Eligible families interested in applying for the Spencer’s layette should contact their local Red Cross chapter.
The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We rely on the assistance of caring supporters like you to deliver our critical services. You can support U.S. military members and their families through the American Red Cross as we provide assistance and comfort. Your gift will support the nationally coordinated Red Cross services provided to military families across the country and to American service men and women located throughout the world. Please make a financial donation to Service to Armed Forces by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces, P.O. Box 91820, Washington, DC 20090. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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