Our family had the privilege of knowing Capt. Jim Brickson. His enthusiasm for our community was so appreciated!

This is Youth Volunteer Week, so I want to tell an experience my teenage sons and friends will not forget.

When the big tornado disaster hit our area, Capt. Brickson called Tim.

He said, “Everyone is so tired. Will your family help make lunches for the volunteer destruction relief teams?”

Everyone at our house went. We made hundreds of sandwiches. The Salvation Army really knows how to do it. Tables were set up, four church tables long, in the gym and were covered with fresh paper. You opened loaves of bread and laid all the slices flat in rows as deep as the table was wide. The next person added a cheese slice to each bread. The next person added the ham slice. The last person topped it off with bread. Each were put into a plastic bag, closed with a sticker and packed in coolers.

Like a conveyor belt on an assembly line, as the area was picked up, new sandwiches were started.

This work was done at top speed as there were so many to make. After 3 1/2 hours the supplies were used up. The boys wanted to make more!

It was a wonderful volunteer opportunity for young people. They talk about it still.

We all remember the devastation of the tornadoes. Our community came together to help our neighbors.

I see so many teenagers ringing bells before Christmas. We all appreciate the time they give to do this job!

The new captain, Maj. Louise Delano-Sharpe, requested to come serve Albert Lea. She has family here and will stay in our community when retirement comes. Call her for volunteer opportunities.

Thank you to all youth who volunteer. I hope you have a ton of fun doing it!

 

Kim Christianson

Albert Lea