ROCKY MOUNT — The holidays may be particularly rough for flood victims. Volunteers are trying to ease the burden of flood victims spending their first holiday away from home.

In spite of everything they have been through, and everything they have yet to face, flood victims in Rocky Mount are giving thanks.

"I think God blessed us, and I'm thankful to be here with my family," Jessica Reeks, a victim of Hurricane Floyd, said.

The FEMA trailer park in Rocky Mount can be a lonely place, even though 300 families call it home.

So, on Thursday, two groups of church volunteers brought the holiday meal to them. Trinity Baptist Church of Tarboro brought the food, and volunteers from a Maryland church brought the music.

"The Bible says where there is unity, there is strength," Hester Pryor, a minister, said. "So when we come together, no matter what color, what nationality, where you come from, when we lock arms together, there is strength."

Thanksgiving has a different feel this year, not just because the families lost their homes, but because they appreciate so much more what they do have.

Dennis Waller, a victim of Hurricane Floyd's wrath, no longer takes for granted things like homes, families and faith."

"Everybody is doing so much for us, and we appreciate everything they're doing for us," Waller said. "I'm just blessed. I'm just blessed."

Many flood victims say they'll be there for several more months while they struggle to rebuild, but there is already talk of a Christmas gathering at the FEMA parks. -->