KETTERING — People across the Miami Valley are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Helen.
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As News Center 7 reported at 11 a.m., the remnants of Hurricane Helen brought high winds and heavy rain to the area, knocking down trees and power lines.
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As of Sunday night, thousands of people across the Miami Valley were still without power.
Blueberry Cafe has stepped up to help those affected.
The cafe provided a free hot breakfast for linemen and first responders, and a free dinner for families without power.
One Kettering resident told News Center 7 he can’t thank the cafe enough.
“This place, Blueberry Cafe, exceeded our expectations,” Evelyn Parr said.
Parr lost power Friday afternoon and said the past few days have been difficult for her.
“Eating one meal a day in your car or at McDonald’s is a bit difficult,” Parr said.
Parr said he prayed about his situation and realized his suffering could get worse.
“For all the people who have suffered such devastating events in the South, I feel so small,” she said.
News Center 7 spoke with Blue Berry Café owner Kelley Andary about why she wanted to help.
“Families with young children are trying to get hot meals, but it’s expensive to eat out every night,” Andari said.
Andary said she saw others in the community contributing and knew she had to do the same.
After posting about the free meals on Facebook, the cafe started receiving donations from people who wanted to help feed others.
Andrei said he raised “over $600 to pay all expenses.”
The staff at AES Ohio, located just a few miles from the cafe’s Kettering location, was hard at work.
AES Ohio Metro Operations Manager Andrew Jacobs spoke to News Center 7 about recent efforts and the struggles faced.
“We have large branches growing, trees that are completely down, uprooted, and difficult terrain with twists and turns,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs said AES Ohio has heard the complaints and crews are working around the clock to restore power.
AES Ohio plans to have all power restored by Tuesday evening.
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