Berit Ollestad was shocked by TV images of tornado destruction in Alabama. So the Morristown resident started making inquiries about how to help victims.
The Alabama Truckers Association put her in touch with a UPS vice president in Texas.
That fellow hails from Alabama.
Soon, Berit was promised a UPS truck to deliver relief items to the stricken state.
That truck will be at Morristown town hall on Saturday, June 4, to collect nonperishable foods, personal hygiene items, tarps and diapers, Berit told the town council on Tuesday.
“One person can make a difference,” she said, thanking town Administrator Michael Rogers for his help.
- Berit Ollestad of Morristown is organizing an aid drive for tornado survivors in Alabama. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
A native of Seattle, Berit studied criminal law at Central Washington University and later worked in sales for Wrigley’s Gum.
She came to Morristown last year from Chicago. Her husband is a national account manager for Lysol, and this was the couple’s fifth move in 10 years. They have a daughter and a son, ages 4 and 5. Berit said she takes on causes partly as an example for them, and partly as a way to occupy herself while her husband pursues his career.
She has a program called With Love 4 Brazil, to help poor families in Rio de Janeiro. In February, she led a clothing drive at the Morristown Neighborhood House.
“I’ve never lived anywhere with so much willingness to jump in,” Berit said of Morristown. “People really get involved.”
Thank you to Mr. Ollestad from Montgomery, Alabama. I read the story on how you acted to bring supplies to the tornado victims in Tuscaloosa. Your kindness shows that there are still many good Americans who are able to help friends and neighbors without government interference. God Bless you!