ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A St. Louis County center for grieving children is experiencing a loss of their own.
Annie's Hope in Glendale was devastated by water damage from heavy rain on Nov. 5.
In its 26 years, it has never experienced flooding like this.
Philanthropy Director Amy LaBelle said all the office spaces, on-site storage and three small group rooms were flooded on its first floor.
The water destroyed furniture, program supplies, records, archives and personal items.
On Monday, 5 On Your Side saw parts of the first floor gutted and furniture being removed. Water remediation continued while staff scrambled to keep programs running.
LaBelle said insurance covers a minimal amount and it's looking at significant expenses.
"We're down to the skeleton structural pieces," LaBelle shared. "We don't know when we'll be back in this space."
Since 1998, Annie's Hope has grown into its St. Louis County space, becoming a center for grieving children.
It has 10 different programs. LaBelle shared that year after year, the need for bereavement services has only grown.
Annie's Hope helps about 3,500 clients annually, from ages 3 to 18. Since starting, it's served more than 60,000 people.
Annie's Hope's priority it to continuing supporting the community.
"We're here for the community and we hope we always will be," LaBelle added.
There is a fundraising page for the organization. If you'd like to donate, click here.