Amid all the snow-related nonsense going down in Atlanta, people are showing immense compassion on a local Facebook group, SnowedOutAtlanta.
Created by Georgia resident Michelle Sollicitio, the group is being by people to post their locations, asking for help for themselves or their loved ones. The most tragic stories involve diabetics, the elderly, and families with young children, especially infants. Some people can't even get in touch with their families.
Aside from calls for help, offers of assistance are also being publicized. People with large vehicles are selflessly posting their contact information to retrieve those stranded or bring supplies. Members are opening up their homes for shelter.
The posts are getting shares, tons of likes, and comments offering prayers and hope. The group - at 41,000 members and counting - is getting almost too big to help.
Here are just a few of the amazing posts:
Eric Morissey: "Hey people on Interstate 20 westbound at McDaniel Street Exit 55 -- it's lunch time! I am packing up now with 16 lunches, and ~3 gallons of water, and some cups and plates too . Who's hungry? Send me the deets! Pvt msg me on FB, respond here, or email ERMATL82 (at) gmail (dot) com!"
Debbie Wilson Pusterino: "Just left some supplies on the median on 285 East near exit 29"
"The hot chocolate guys have been identified! Dozens of you sent us photos of these guys serving hot cocoa to stranded motorists on I-75. We now know the men behind the kindness are Zach Haedt and Sam Tarquina. LIKE this! It's a great way to say thanks to all the people doing nice things in the ?#GeorgiaSnow?!" 11alive News wrote.
"GOOD SAMARITAN: Matthew Miller is on I-75 near Turner Field handing out food to stranded motorists. He packed PB&Js, cereal and hot cocoa for anyone who needs it. http://2wsb.tv/1aF58SP
"I saw on Facebook people had been out here for 18 hours…so I just thought I'd try to help out any way I could," Miller told WSB-TV.
We think Miller definitely deserves a LIKE. "
Graham Lutz: "Where am I needed? Can make it just about anywhere?"
Businesses like Chik-fil-a have also hopped on board, offering free food and coffee to stranded people in certain areas.
One commenter, Camille Dent, claimed a Hyatt hotel was kicking people out onto the streets. The establishment later changed its mind after group members contacted management, according to further comments.
Sollicitio, however, made it clear that anything other than positivity won't be tolerated.
"Because many who need help have limited cellphone battery life, please limit posts to those that DIRECTLY HELP those in need. PLEASE DONT POST THANK YOUS and POLITICAL GRUMBLINGS until AFTER the emergency is over - then you can feel free to rant."
She also split the larger group into smaller, location-based ones. The original, SnowedOutAtlanta, currently has over 41,1000 members and counting.