Osgood woman answers call to help flood victims

Pictured are items sitting outside of Mr. Ed’s Shoppe are shown after much of the cleaning process was completed. Most items were covered with mud as shown in the photo.

When Kim Jahnigen of Osgood woke up Friday, Aug. 14, one of the first Facebook posts she saw was a request for volunteers to assist area flood victims. Although plenty of work awaited her at the family farm between Versailles and Osgood, Jahnigen felt drawn to help.

When she arrived in Brookville, much of the community remained without power and nearly every traffic signal was out. Jahnigen reported to the Schilling Community Center shortly after 9 a.m., but no one was there. She called a telephone number posted on the door and was directed to Metamora.

Along the way, Jahnigen passed field after field covered in water. As a farmer herself, she could not help but think about the lasting effect the flooding would have on area farmers.

In Metamora, Jahnigen joined volunteers packing totes with cleaning supplies for flood victims. Wanting to do more physical work, she asked where else help was needed and was directed to the shops near the canal.

After arriving to Mr Ed’s Shoppe, Jahnigen introduced herself and said she was willing to help with whatever was needed. “I need a hug,” Sharon Wessel, the shop owner replied. Jahnigen gave her one—and then got to work.

Floodwater had left vintage merchandise sitting in mud throughout the shop. Jahnigen helped carry out damaged items, wipe away as much mud as possible and pack what could be saved into totes. Volunteers also worked to remove layers of mud from the concrete floors.

Another shop owner told Jahnigen she had been without a shower and had not brushed her teeth in three days. She had been given only 15 minutes to evacuate, grabbing her purse and dog before leaving in her car. Her home was later flooded, and she said she did not have flood insurance because the property was not located in a designated flood zone.

After returning home that evening, Jahnigen saw the shop owner she had assisted being interviewed by a Channel 5 news.

Jahnigen encouraged others who want to help to first contact the American Red Cross and ask what supplies or assistance are most needed. “You don’t know what it feels like until it’s you,” Jahnigen told the Osgood Journal. “Some people don’t have anyone to help them.”