JaTaryia and Quinncy Thomas have experienced several hurricanes in their lifetime but none as devastating as Hurricane Idalia when it made landfall in the Southeast on Aug. 30. “Trees just kept falling,” JaTaryia said. “We grabbed what we could and just got out of the house.” The Thomases are longtime residents in Valdosta, Georgia, and are now planning their next steps after their home was completely destroyed by Idalia. “My children, my husband, and myself are all alive and well physically,” JaTaryia said. “That’s what matters the most. That’s what we are holding on to. We’ll rebuild and bounce back. We always do.” After the storm, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to provide meals, cleanup kits, and other resources to families recovering from Idalia’s destruction, including financial assistance. No amount could truly replace the memories made in the Thomas’ home, but they were able to receive two disbursements of financial assistance to help them rebuild their ...