Storm relief drive gets flood of support in Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT - Just three days into their relief drive for storm victims in Cedar Rapids, Sunnybrook in Mt. Pleasant has already received an outpouring of support from the community.

'We filled half an empty studio apartment with donations,” Emily Jones, the lifestyle director for the assisted living facility, said.

Jones and marketing director Cody Flietner were at Mt. Pleasant's central park on Wednesday afternoon, continuing to collect donations.

'We were just floored that first day. It was car after car,” Flietner said. He estimated the community had filled at least 30 boxes worth of toiletries, water, canned food and other essential items, which will be donated to residential distribution centers in Cedar Rapids on Friday.

The facility has received cash donations as well. Flietner said he plans to use the cash to purchase additional supplies on Thursday morning.

'It's absolutely awesome. I'm very proud of Mt. Pleasant. They've come out by the truckloads to bring the items out,” Flietner said of the support.

'We're so grateful that everyone's donating,” Jones added.

Jodie Cue, a Mt. Pleasant resident, dropped off towels, blankets and tablecloths before leaving for the dollar store to purchase other toiletries to donate to the drive.

'I lived in Iowa City during the big flood, and I've worked with missions a lot, and my home is solid, I can give. So that's why - we're Iowans, we have to do this,” she said.

Barb Lynchard, another local, stopped by to hand a check as her donation to the relief drive.

'I think people need to know about Cedar Rapids and what's happening there. We got the wind here, but this was horrid up there for them, and it's going to take years to get over it, so anything we can do to help it along [is good],” she said.

In addition to the relief drive, Sunnybrook has an ongoing fundraiser for its Alzheimer's Walk, set to take place on Oct. 10. The facility has been placing two purple toilets in yards across town. Businesses have taken turns paying the facility to place the toilets at various locations and in front of other establishments.

'We've raised $3,200 so far … we're probably going to go until the first week of October in the lead up to our walk,” Flietner said.

Instead of traveling to Burlington this year and participating in a larger walk, the Alzheimer's Association is asking people to host their own walks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'It's going to be nice because our residents and those from our memory care unit will be able to participate,” Flietner said.

'We're excited, it's going to be a fun time,” he added.