Published: April 08, 2009 02:58 pm      

Moreland one of many to step up

There were many heroes stepping up in the wake of Hurricane Ike, and at least a few were found in the employ of Orange County.

After Orange County Treasurer Vergie Moreland saw the devastation wrought by Ike, she was compelled to do something about it. Moreland got the idea of setting up a fund at a local credit union for county employees to pitch in, to help out 53 county employees who lost their homes to Ike’s floodwaters.

“I just felt for them,” Moreland said. “I really had a burden in my heart for those people that lost everything.”

With that feeling in mind, Moreland composed and sent a letter to county employees, who turned out to be receptive to the idea of donations to the fund via payroll deductions. Moreland said  employees contributed to the fund over five pay periods; there were also outside contributions to the fund, including a major contribution from a donor who wished to remain anonymous.

“She spearheaded the entire project,” said Orange County Clerk Karen Jo Vance, who nominated Vance as an Unsung Hero. “All county employees should be praised for their contributions, but Vergie Moreland...(got it done).”

Moreland might have got it done, but as befits a hero she gives all the credit to the county employees.

“I didn’t do anything anyone else wouldn’t do,” Moreland said. “The county employees deserve all the credit for this."