Fountain community comes together to help those in need after hurricane

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Many Fountain residents finally have their power back, but thousands were still in the dark Wednesday, exactly three weeks after Hurricane Michael hit.

November 1st is the target date Gulf Coast Electric has set for all residents to have their power back, and until people are back on their feet, they can go to the Fountain Fire Department to get items such as food, shovels, and cleaning supplies.

Much of their power is out… but the hope is bright inside the Fountain Fire Department.

“We’re not closing down, we’re going to be here as long as we’re needed," pantry organizer Amy Putnam said.

Despite having no electricity at her own home Putnam, and her family, are giving to others.

“Cause it’s my community and if I can help, I want to help," she added.

Amy’s husband is the fire chief, and their family stayed at the station during the storm. Soon after, donations started coming in so they decided to open up to the public.

It’s helping hundreds of people who also are in living in the dark.

As of Wednesday morning, Gulf Coast Electric reported more than 1,200 customers without power, but say that 60 percent are back on the grid.

Hundreds of crews have been working non-stop meaning folks like Connie Sisk can finally turn on the lights.

“I think I ran to the breaker and turned the hot water heater on and went and took a hot shower," Sisk said.

Sisk's power returned four days ago, but her storage freezer was one thing destroyed in the storm. WJHG/WECP joined her during her first visit to the pantry.

“It’s awesome that people donate to help people up here," she added.

Various people and organizations continue to donate to the pantry. The organizers say if they don’t have what you need, they’ll do their best to get it.

The address of the Fountain Fire Department is 17822 Center Drive.
They’re open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, you can call the station at 850-722-9659.

Organizers say they don’t plan on closing unless the donations stop coming.