Christiane Gunn, a member of the Broward Teachers Union, volunteered at the Tamarac Community Center. (Photo by John Ristow)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, which swept across South Florida on Oct. 24, many Florida Education Association members volunteered to help their neighbors and fellow county residents during the recovery effort. One of these volunteers, Broward County High School teacher Christiane Gunn, a member of the Broward Teachers Union, found herself with unexpected time off following the county's worst hurricane in decades.

Like millions of South Florida hurricane victims, Gunn had no electricity or connection to the outside world, and damage to her home. The simplest activities such as obtaining water and gas became arduous tasks. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to volunteer at the Tamarac Community Center.

"For me, it seemed like the natural thing to do," Gunn said. "It was my contribution to making the incredibly long lines move a little faster and helping out in the community."

Gunn's volunteer duties ranged from distributing water and directing traffic to helping the physically handicapped and elderly carry ice to their cars. The elderly appeared to be most affected by the hurricane, she said, especially those who live alone. Many have lost loved ones over the years who would otherwise have helped them during the crisis or had relatives that lived too far away.

Gunn said that contributing to her community during this time of need kept her busy and kept her from worrying about broken fences, damaged roofs or her lack of electricity. She also brought along her nephew Joelle McNeil, a Broward County eighth grader, and was gratified to see him involved in "making a difference in the lives of all these people."