A group of volunteers from National Disaster Photo Rescue, who received training during the Van, Texas photo recovery operation, started work this week in the Garland and Rowlett areas impacted by the Dec. 26 tornado.
Last August, representatives from National Disaster Photo Rescue Headquarters in Missouri traveled to Van to train and assist local individuals in the cleaning, scanning and documenting of lost photos. Those individuals are excited for the opportunity to help their northern neighbors to recover irreplaceable photos while working closely with city officials to ensure proper ordinances and safety are maintained.
“Being trained by the National Disaster Photo Rescue organization has given a small team of photo organizers, photographers and volunteers a chance to give something back to the Garland/Rowlett community in their time of need. Little did we know our experience would be needed so soon and so close to home. We all have a heart for photos and the desire to help people in some way to enjoy, share and preserve their photos.” Cita Cox, on-site coordinator, NDPR.
NDPR urges all residents and volunteers to watch for photos on the ground. Found photos may be taken to the Granger Recreation Center, 1310 West Avenue F, in Garland. Additional drop-off sites will be announced at a later date. Questions about found photos may be referred to Coordinator Cita Cox at 214-356-3878.
Follow the progress and get updates on the Facebook project page at Lost Photos of Garland and Rowlett TX Tornado. For more information about volunteering or donating funds for a photo rescue project, find the online form via link on the Facebook page or at www.nationaldisasterphotorescue.org.
The National Disaster Photo Rescue organization (501c3) was formed after the May 22, 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado and is a ministry of First Baptist Church, Carthage Missouri. National Disaster Photo Rescue is dedicated to the preservation and return of lost photos after a disaster, thus building renewed strength and hope by reuniting communities with treasured memories thought to have been destroyed.
For questions about NDPR, email rachel@nationaldisasterphotorescue.org