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Flood Help from Buddhists

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

Story Created: Jul 3, 2008 at 4:02 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2008 at 6:50 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - When you don't have anything left, standing in line to get help isn't the worst thing in the world.

"First floor, down to the basement, I'm gutting everything in my house, nothing was saved," said Patricia Blair. "Nothing."

Hundreds of people lined up in Westdale Mall for help from an organization, but they didn't know what they were getting or from whom.

"I read it in the paper." "Do you know much about them?" "Not really," said Mike Augustine.

The people helping today are from the Tzu Chi organization, originated in Taiwan. They have an office in Los Angeles. They're Buddhists that help people across the world affected by disasters.

"Originally our founder asked 30 housewives to save 2 cents a day to do good deeds," said Tzu Chi CEO William Keh.

Thursday they handed out $500 debit cards and a blanket to each family in the flood.

The people start this by standing in line, but they end with a hug and a bow. That's because this group believes in more than just giving, it's about giving respect too.

And the people in line say every little bit helps.

If you missed it on Thursday, the Tzu Chi will be at Westdale Mall until July 7th. To get help, all you need is an ID showing your home was in the flood affected area.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

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