Ian McCarthy is the sole "man" in his aunt's Kensington, Md., home, says his mother, Romaine McCarthy. (Newsline photo by April Chan)

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A Maryland Welcome

“They didn't give us a whole lot of paperwork to do because they were trying to rush accommodating the students from the hurricane,” said the children's aunt, Arlene McCarthy. “Everything was pretty much in place when they got here.”

Romaine McCarthy and the children arrived the day before Labor Day with little more than some beach clothes and swim suits.

But thanks to Arlene and her sister Sabrina McCarthy, of Takoma Park, Md., word got around fast that a New Orleans family was in need.

And donations of clothes, gift certificates, shopping trips and even Yu-Gi-Oh cards from various Maryland schools, charities and individuals quickly poured in.

The back of Romaine’s van is still packed with bags full of clothes.

When Amanda realized she had left her reading glasses in New Orleans, her frazzled mom approached the Red Cross for help, at the recommendation of her new neighbors.

“Between my sisters-in-law and their friends and coworkers, I haven't really had to do much thinking, thank goodness,” Romaine said. “I'm just so thankful that the resources are out there.”

Continued on page 3: Living With Uncertainty 

Banner graphic by April Chan, incorporating photo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Newsline Web content edited by Chris Harvey.  

Copyright © 2005 University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism