This is an open letter to all volunteers, who came together to help a group of evacuees five years ago on Labor Day 2005. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for their help in uniting, bringing aid and assistance to a beleaguered group of individuals, who arrived in Kingsville haggard, worn and badly beaten up by a hurricane called Katrina.

Upon arrival in Kingsville, the Katrina evacuees were met with compassion and hope. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who came and heeded the call to volunteer, and assist those who were in need.

Some volunteers came and gave of their time and were there to lend a hand while others came to lend an ear and were there to understand.

Many others came to show that the shoulder of human compassion was still there. For this I would like to commend and thank you for giving so generously and unselfishly of your time and yourselves to those less fortunate, in a time of need.

On the same note, due to a greater need to volunteer and help the community, the Kingsville & Kleberg County Medical Reserve Corps was born. In 2006 The Office of the Surgeon General recognized the volunteer group as an All Hazard Team.

If you desire to continue to make a difference in your community, consider becoming a member. Again, I with to thank all who volunteered in bringing Kingsville together for a common good. As someone once said, “Because without the people it is just another piece of dirt.” For more information on becoming a member of the Kingsville & Kleberg County Medical Reserve Corps, contact: Marty Ontiveros @ 361-595-8527 1-5 p.m.

Marty Ontiveros