Good Samaritan stories abound

The Good Samaritan stories continue to abound.

The Rock Church in Point Loma has turned itself into a giant evacuation center.

Tuesday, classroom after classroom was stuffed with clothing, bedding, toiletries and other donations from a steady stream of cars. A medical clinic with volunteer doctors, nurses and therapists was set up on the main floor. Outside was a pet refuge, complete with volunteer veterinarians. There was a video game area for young people and a crafts room for younger children.

Among the 300 people who are expected to sleep there Wednesday night were about 200 residents and staff members from Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a retirement center in Spring Valley. They had originally been evacuated to San Diego High School earlier this week but were moved Tuesday because of air quality concerns.

Senior pastor Miles McPherson said the shelter was launched Tuesday morning with a text message sent out to members. Since then, the outpouring has been so great … including 15,000 cases of bottled water … that the church is sending shipments to other centers in the county.

"The reason the church exists … not The Rock Church but the church in general … is to bring hope to all," McPherson said.

Included in the hundreds of volunteers at the church was a 40-year-old registered nurse from South Carolina who is supposed to be vacationing at Shelter Island.

Julia Breeden-Moore spent yesterday on duty in a converted medical clinic that saw about 15 patients by late afternoon. She said she considers it payback for help rendered during storms in her state. "Everyone has always come to our aid," she said.

"You've got to help," she added. "I think it's our responsibility, not just as a health care provider, but also as a person."

Sandi Dolbee