May 18, 2013 – With hurricane season fast approaching, folks along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are dusting off their storm kits, replenishing water and batteries, and getting insurance papers in order, just in case the big one hits.
Across the country, whether
they’re in hurricane territory or not, hundreds of Kid Rock fans are going one
step further, stocking up on extra items, like toiletries, blankets,
non-perishable snacks, and greeting cards—yes, greeting cards—just in case the
big one hits another Kid Rock fan.
Established as a Facebook group
on August 29, 2011, the Kid Rock Life Line is a non-profit organization
dedicated to providing aid and comfort to the artist’s fans in times of disaster
and personal tragedy. Since the first parcels went out, the KRLL has responded
to more than 50 cries for help. In the
wake of terrifying floods, fires, windstorms, power outages, and the tragic deaths
of family members, sometimes-unwitting recipients have often found themselves
overwhelmed by the efforts of the KRLL’s now nearly 400 members.
“My girls were so excited to receive their special
package,” Tonawanda, N.Y., resident Tara Penfold recently posted on the group’s
Facebook page, “my family can not THANK YOU all enough.” After a house fire sent
Penfold, her husband, Ed, and their three young girls to a nearby hotel to
await damage assessment and cleanup, KRLL members sent toys and fake, rock ‘n’
roll-themed tattoos, among other things. Until the fire, the Penfolds hadn’t
even heard about the KRLL. In a note to one of the group’s members, the young
mother said she, “never had a family like this and honestly feel more love from
you all than I do my own blood.”
Orchestrated by a group of ten board members, referred to
as “Admins” on Facebook, the KRLL depends on the participation of its
membership to get essential items where they need to go. “We have a small
budget,” explains founder, principal Admin, and Mineral, Va., resident Sonia
Woolf. “It’s rare to see more than $1,500 in the account.” Relying largely on periodic
fundraisers and random merchandise sales, the fund is most often used to send
floral arrangements, gift baskets, and the occasional gift card. “From day one,
responses have been a group effort,” Woolf continued. “No one can afford to do everything, but, when everyone does something, the impact can be huge."
To join the Kid Rock Life Line, send a donation, or to learn more about their disaster relief efforts, please find them on Facebook or visit KidRockLifeLine.com.
To join the Kid Rock Life Line, send a donation, or to learn more about their disaster relief efforts, please find them on Facebook or visit KidRockLifeLine.com.
Dawn Scovill has proudly served as a KRLL
Admin since its inception and has, herself, experienced the aftermath of
natural disaster. She resides in Jupiter, Fla., and is the author of two
commercial fiction novels.
The Kid Rock Life Line
Sonia Woolf, Founder
206 N Timber Tribe
Mineral, VA 23117
540-894-9562,
540-408-8963
