When a volcano erupted in Indonesia last fall, three area churches and the wife of local state delegate were called to action in December.
Ruth M. Anderson, married to Va. Del. Richard Anderson, R-51 (Lake Ridge, Woodbridge), traveled to Indonesia during mid-December after organizing a team that assisted in aiding the more than 10,000 people displaced from their homes after the Mt. Merapi volcano erupted Oct. 26.
Lake Ridge Baptist, First Baptist of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Christian churches all lent their support to project that sent Anderson – a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and chief nurse at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii – to the beleaguered country, one of many trips she made to Indonesia over the past decade.
Anderson, along with other volunteers from Prince William County, brought with them first aid supplies, hygiene supplies, vitamins, baby supplies and pain medicines to the country, said Anderson’s media representative, Ryan Galloway.
Residents whose homes had been completely destroyed and were awaiting temporary housing were provided with the supplies Anderson brought.
Refugees who were housed in a soccer stadium on the island nation, forced to sleep on cement floors, were all provided blankets to use, said Galloway.
The team of volunteers also provided resources to dig three wells that would provide clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing.
As of Christmas, three of those wells had been dug, said Galloway.
Rich Anderson was elected to represent the 51st district in 2009, and later this year will run for reelection.
