In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, private citizens in Murray, KY organized a rescue mission. Volunteers went down to New Orleans in school buses and brought people camped outside the Convention Center back to Murray. The town’s Woodsmen of the World Camp became the base of operations, serving as temporary housing and a resource center. StoryCorps Facilitators Rani Shankar and Nick Yulman had breakfast at the camp and spoke with evacuees about their experiences.

Above, Karen, who had stopped by the booth earlier in the week, gives an update on how her family’s doing. She, like many who came to the camp, had no idea where she was going when she boarded the bus but has decided to settle in Murray because she has been so impressed by the kindness and generosity of the town’s citizens.

Gigi, a hair stylist from New Orleans, tells her story and explains that she’s been doing people’s hair at the camp as a form of meditation.

We also visited the homes of some people who have found places to live in Murray through the camp.
Above, Cherry and her dog Whoopie, who came with her on the bus from New Orleans, pose in front of their new house with Camp W.O.W. director Colleen. "We’re family now," Cherry explained.

Our digs in Murray are on the campus of Murray State University and we’ve been lucky enough to meet a number of students. Annmarie and Jessie, two art students, put up a show of fake food items which culminated in a silent auction benefiting the hurricane relief effort.

A couple of days after the auction, Annmarie had us over to sample some of her delicious real food and pore over her collection of pressed seaweed specimens (truly). Home-cooked meals are a rare treat on the road and we thoroughly enjoyed eating right and chatting with Annmarie and her roommate Claudia.

A parade of bikers riding in support of Toys for Tots roared past the booth today.

This vehicle, carrying a leather-clad fellow and his pet poodle, brought-up the tail end of this otherwise tough procession.

Today we visited Paducah, Kentucky. Crafty facilitator Rani Shankar was particularly excited as Paducah is the quilting capital of the United States.

Paducah is situated on the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. Facilitator Nick Yulman dreams about a StoryBoat tour.

Here in Murray, Kentucky we’re situated on Courthouse square, right off of Main Street.

The opening ceremony kicked off with a rendition “My Country ’tis of Thee” performed by a local music student. MobileBooth Operations Manager Matt Ozug serves as a music stand.

East BoothFacilitators Rani Shankar and Nick Yulman receive keys to the City and County from the Mayor and County Judge.

Many thanks to the citizens of Murray for such a warm welcome.