McCain Helps Pack Hurricane Relief Supplies in Waterville


By JC Reindl, Toledo Blade (Ohio)
September 1, 2008

Article Excerpts:

As floodwaters rushed over the top of a canal levee in New Orleans, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain helped pack supplies Monday morning to send to Hurricane Gustav-stricken areas.

During a stop in the village of Waterville, Senator McCain met with Linda Greene, president and chief executive officer of ISOH/IMPACT, and volunteers at the charitable organization's warehouse on Farnsworth Road.

Dozens of volunteers spent the morning packing toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other items destined for storm-ravaged areas in the Gulf Coast.

Senator McCain pitched in to help pack some of the supplies.

He shook hands with volunteers and shared a hug with Ms. Greene who expressed her gratitude for his interest in their relief effort.

ISOH received word before hand about the senator's planned visit, but no public announcement was made about his schedule while he was in the Toledo area Sunday night and Monday morning.

However, about 40 people, including Waterville Mayor Derek Merrin, gathered outside the ISOH warehouse during his visit to the village. Mr. McCain greeted and shook hands with the neighborhood onlookers. . . .

After leaving Waterville, the motorcade made a brief stop at Tim Hortons on Airport Highway. Campaign staff said Senator McCain did not leave his sports utility vehicle during the stop and it wasn't known whether anyone picked up fresh hot coffee and doughnuts for him or his staff at the restaurant.

The motorcade then headed to the airport, arriving with several minutes to spare before Senator McCain's scheduled 11:15 a.m. departure. Neither Senator McCain's wife, Cindy, nor his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, accompanied him on the overnight visit to the Toledo area. . . .

Before boarding the Straight Talk Air 737 jet at TOL Aviation, Senator McCain greeted Jon Stainbrook, Lucas County Republican Party chairman, and James Seney, regional chairman of Ohio Veterans for McCain. Mr. Seney is a former mayor of Sylvania who has worked for the Ohio Department of Development and as the governor's representative for economic development in northwest Ohio. . . .

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