Kindness Shown to New Orleans Family

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Meridian, Miss.
Posted: 6:11 PM Sep 4, 2008
Last Updated: 8:30 AM Sep 5, 2008
Reporter: Andrea Williams
Email Address: andrea.williams@wtok.com

10 comments

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Marshand Nelson and her extended family from New Orleans said Wednesday they were stranded in Meridian, after evacuating when Hurricane Gustav threatened their homes.

"I just want to do something for you and your young baby, to let you know that I have a heart," said Luther Gordon of Meridian.

That's why Gordon said he wanted to help.

he's giving Marshand Nelson and her extended family money to return to New Orleans.

"When I heard about the baby here amongst all these people, that's just not sanitary at all. And that's what really hurt me, to know that she had a young baby here in the condition that they're in," said Gordon.

"I'm really surprised, because I didn't think they had that many people that really, really cared," said Nelson Thursday. "And I want to say 'thank you' to Mr. Gordon for helping me and my family get a way back home."

Without this money Nelson said she and her family, who spent all that they had just to get here, would not be able to leave.

"Well, it took me my whole Social Security check to get us out here," said Linda Burrell of New Orleans. "Plus, I had tried to feed all of us, too, off of that money."

With three vehicles and an RV to fill with gas, Nelson said once the shelter closed, she and her now 10-day-old baby James were going to have to sleep in a vehicle. Instead she says the family is preparing to head home.

"I just want to bless the family here today," Gordon said.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: T Location: Mississippi on Sep 5, 2008 at 04:08 PM
While no one knows the exact situation of the family Mr. Gordon helped, I have to wonder how much "need" they actually had. Or if the need was created by a careless or lazy way of living (and not saving for a "rainy" day). Like Liz said, where are all the fathers of these approx 20 children? At some point, people have to take responsibility for their own actions. Knowing how New Orleans and the MS Coast were devasted by Katrina, surely these folks could have put a little planning into hurricane season to take care of such a vast family. Or else, maybe they could have used the avail free birth control to limit the number of kids in the first place... I wish someone would have asked these evacuees how they make a living back in Louisiana. I suspect we (tax payers) may already be supporting them in the first place!

Posted by: Liz Location: Collinsville on Sep 5, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I'm glad this man will get a blessing from this act; even though he probably should have taken them TO A GAS STATION and McDonald's (even though they've been fed free since they've been here). BUT, I know he will be blessed. It's a pity that a family that might have needed the money more couldn't have been featured on the news. I agree with the others that talked about "responsibility". Where are the fathers of all these children? I'd like for Andrea to follow them to the coast and see how many more people "contribute" to them because they have a 10, 11-day old baby. She'll probably have another one by next hurricane season. It's a worse shame that there are always going to be people who will live their lives thinking the government owes them just for living and breeding (oops, sorry, breathing). And all these comments from all these people that feel this way will not make one ounce of difference in this society of ours. Just be glad to live in America, where we at least can vent!!

Posted by: ANTIOCK Location: KEMPER on Sep 5, 2008 at 09:37 AM
THE PEOPLE PICTURED ARE DRESSED NICE,APPEAR WELL FEED,MY WIFE AND I HAVE WORKED ALL OUR LIFE,RAISED OUR FAMILY. WE CAN'T RIDE IN AN RV.

Posted by: FatDawg Location: Lauderdale Co on Sep 4, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Yesterday it was the rent money that was used, now its social security check. I know gas prices are high but does it take a monthly check to cover the cost of gas for a round-trip from New Orleans to Meridan? So many people in Meridian and Lauderdale CO. , who were victims themselves, were "burned" by Katrina "victims" that it is becoming more difficult to want to lend a helping hand. It does matter if people or looking for a handout or just lying, because they are taking away from those that are truly in need. I think that WTOK and Andrea Williams should be ashamed of themselves for even airing this story, the true victims are in Baton Rouge, not at a shelter in Meridian.

Posted by: D2 Location: Meridian on Sep 4, 2008 at 10:51 PM
I have no problem helping the truly needy, but why an RV?? They should have left the RV and traveled like the other people with no transportation. It was provided by bus, rail and air, and I'm certain that's how those people will get back. Our shelters provided a roof,meals & support,they're not a travel agency!!!

Posted by: doesn't matter Location: Meridian on Sep 4, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Let's focus on the kindess of Mr. Gordon's act. He chose to help a family he assumed was in need. He acted out on the goodness of his heart. Whether these people were looking for a handout, or lying . . .or whatever does not matter (they will have to answer for that one day), it was a selfless act done out of concern for one's fellow man. He was not deterred in helping these people despite the cautious warnings of others and I salute him for his charitable deed. Let us not forget Proverbs 28: “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse.”

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 4, 2008 at 08:11 PM
I disagree with using your children to panhandle. The gentleman had good intentions with his generosity, however, in this situation, I think he has been taken advantage of and so have all the viewers. Shame! Shame! Shame!

Posted by: nora Location: union on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:42 PM
why did this lady who used her social security check have to pay to feed anyone who was with her, she was at a FREE shelter. come on people come up with a better excuse than that.

Posted by: annie Location: stonewall on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:38 PM
i am glad that this man did this with good intentions. but this is exactly what they wanted, a handout because they are use to it. quit having children you cant afford, or better yet the government cant afford and get a job. although that might take time away from your whining.

Posted by: annon. Location: here on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:17 PM
It was nice to see someone with the heart and the money to help that family, but who is to say the conditions are not bad where they are from...No power??? water?? They say most do not have power, and some will not be able to run the water due to sewer systems down.....