Hotel furniture trucked to Katrina victims

By Scott Brandt
The Evening News

SAULT STE. MARIE - Hurricane Katrina survivors got a helping hand from the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians on Monday when approximately $50,000 in used furniture was hauled out of the Kewadin Casino Hotel, bound for Louisiana on Monday.

“We're glad to help out in any way we can to support campaigns like this one,” said Casino General Manager Steve Sprecker in a tribal press release. “It's all about community and being involved to help your neighbor, even if they're across the country.”

Donated items include mattresses, box springs, dressers, night stands, photos, lamps, mirrors and bedspreads taken out of the establishment as part of a major renovation project. A semi-trailer was loaded up with these household items and will eventually be delivered to the Habitat for Humanity group in Covington, Louisiana where it will be dispersed as people re-build their homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The America United Campaign, started by the Iron Mountain Police Department following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, was re-activated in the fall of 2005 after hurricanes wreaked havoc along the southern coast. Using various police agencies throughout the Upper Peninsula, tons of donated canned food, dry goods, games, toys and equipment were shipped south.

Det. Sgt. Judd Price of the Sault Police Department said there were three semi-trucks loaded up right here, destined for the south. While local police played a role, Price was quick to credit the “religious community” in the form of various church groups throughout the region for the large accumulation of donated goods.

“The campaign has really turned into a community effort across the U.P.,” said Price. “It's not just law enforcement agencies anymore; it's local churches, non-profit groups and Habitat for Humanity organizations helping to make the campaign a success.”

Monday's effort to send household goods included nearly 20 volunteers from the Sault Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff Department, the Sault First Church of Christ, Weir Furniture, Habitat for Humanity and Kewadin Casinos.

“As a law enforcement officer, it feels good to see the community can pull together,” concluded Price.