EDITORS NOTE: This is part of a series of stories covering the historic flooding in Leominster.

 Extreme flooding in Leominster has put a damper on many activities and caused a strain on many people’s lives, but it has brought the community in and around Leominster to come together and bring joy and security to many family’s lives.

Opposing sports teams have been bringing donations to the students of Leominster High School.

When the Leominster Girls Volleyball team played Ayer-Shirley Regional, the Ayer-Shirley team brought a box of canned goods and a check to donate to any students who were suffering as a result of the flooding.

The field hockey team played Nashoba Regional High School on Thursday, September 14, and the Nashoba team brought the girls baked goods.

“The flooding was terrible, but the community came together and worked to combat the issues that arose from the disaster,” said senior Marielle Howlett.

This was really shown when it came to Stephanie Leblanc, the Guidance secretary. 

There was four feet of water in Leblanc’s basement.

“We lost everything,” she said. “We had no flood insurance”

She said “the community the next morning came out,” and three contractors came and tore out the walls and floors and then discarded everything.

“We feel very lucky,” said Leblanc.

Another LHS teacher’s home was moved from its foundation from the flood waters and the community began a go fund me to help the family. 

There are numerous stories of small business volunteering their services free of charge to help. For example. Sensitive Solutions volunteered time cleaning a church and several residents’ homes.

The flooding caused extensive damage, but the Leominster and nearby communities really came together to help those in need.