When the sun poked through the clouds late Thursday morning, Lauren and George Brooks knew just what to do: tie a red fleece blanket around the handle of their white laundry basket and take bundled 15-month-old son George IV out for a spin.
“It’s our makeshift toddler sled,” said Lauren, who kept close as her husband alternately pulled and pushed the basket through their aptly named Peachtree Hills neighborhood in Atlanta’s south Buckhead area.
They weren’t alone. After more than two days of being cooped up, neighbors rapidly appeared with dogs, children and – in at least one case – a pair of cross-country skis. Everyone was friendly and happy the worst had passed.
The city opened the Peachtree Hills Recreation Center as an emergency shelter Tuesday night, with cots, blankets and food donated from a nearby Starbucks.
Wednesday, the Atlanta Humane Society stationed a trailer at the recreation center rife with pet food and supplies.
The neighborhood’s civic association also sent out a note to members during the storm offering assistance to pair up neighbors who own 4x4 vehicles with those with a major need to travel, such as those who work at a hospital.
Most, however, reported few problems other than an overdose of watching the Olympics on television.
“I’m just thankful the power stayed on,” Lauren said.
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