Minot Volunteers Back from Helping Sandy Victims | Video

Amy Fox | 12/12/2012

As life along the East Coast slowly returns to normal after Superstorm Sandy, 21 Red Cross volunteers from North Dakota have made the trip across the map to help with recovery efforts. KMOT caught up with one Minot couple who was in New Jersey when the storm hit.

As Sandy approached, Allen and Carol Becker of Minot, remember a time not so long ago when disaster hit home.

"I just felt that they came here to help us, so I need to go help out where I am needed," said Carol.

"We`re all human beings even though we`re from different states. But, we`re all have a common goal, to try to make things better," Allen said.

So they packed their bags and headed for New Jersey before the storm hit. While the Beckers were not directly affected by last summer`s flood in Minot, they still say they have a lot to give to those affected by natural disasters.

"I know that, you know, I wasn`t going out there to change the way things happened,” said Carol. "I was just there to support the people."

While they both helped out during last summer’s flood, nothing could have prepared them for what they would experience in New Jersey.

Allen said, "It was a tough situation here last year. Like, the East Coast for a couple of weeks, you know, it`s all the same area. So, when you don’t have a home, it’s tough on person and on a community."

For two weeks, Allen and Carol helped support and encourage victims of Sandy.

"They weren`t looking for answers, they just wanted somebody to listen to them," said Carol.

“I think they were well prepared for it, but nobody`s prepared to lose a home to a storm or anything or a flood or a storm of any magnitude."

From the friendships they made, to the time they spent together helping those in need, it’s an experience the Beckers will always remember.

"I did get a couple of them that you get pretty close to because they just touch your heart," said Carol.

If another disaster hits, the Beckers are ready to go again.

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