After almost a week of flooding, residents are getting back on track.

Teams of Red Cross volunteers spread out around the area to feed families recovering from the flood.

"The most water I've ever had in my basement before...18 inches. But this year I got about 24 inches", said flood victim Irvin McGath.

With the Illinois now receding, homeowners are pumping floodwater from their basements and many are without clean tap water.

"Individuals are not able to use their water supply for the most part, so they're not able to cook within their home", said Kim McCoy, a Red Cross Volunteer.

So volunteers are visiting neighborhoods twice a day with meals.
And those trying to get back on their feet are grateful.

"It's great...if it wouldn't be for them I don't think half the people would be able to you know, do this", said Spring Bay resident Martha Stear.

"It's kinda nice for everybody to you know, come down and help us out quite a bit. We got no water, no food. You know", said flood victim Ron Johnson.

With the nation's economic woes, many say the flood has come at a bad time, and the food provided by the Red Cross gives them one less thing to worry about.

"We're financially strapped right now...CILCO bills and gas prices being up", said flood victim Amy White.

And for all the help, meal recipients call the efforts an outpour of generosity...and soon, the Red Cross may be getting some new recruits.

"I've talked to 'em, and I'm going to give them a call. Me and my daughter are going to become volunteers", said Stear.

For Spring Bay residents it may be a long time before they're all cleaned up.

But they say the kindness of others is giving them the fuel they need to push forward.