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Supporters Rally for Storm Victims As Unrelenting Weather Continues
Written by Bonnie Gillespie, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
May 13, 2003 —
As severe weather continues to plague storm-weary residents in the Midwestern and Southern U.S, supporters are rallying in a nationwide effort to bring assistance and encouragement to disaster victims.
Historic downtown Pierce City, Mo., suffered immeasurable damage during the deadly May 4th twisters.
Photo Courtesy of Gene Dailey, American Red Cross
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Since a deadly twister leveled most of Pierce City, Mo., hundreds of visitors -- primarily relief workers and emergency crews -- have descended on the small community of 1,400. Today, however, President George W. Bush will be among visitors to the town to witnesses the devastation of the May 4th tornadoes firsthand.
"It'll give me a chance to tell some of the people who suffered how the nation prays for them and how we're concerned about them," Bush told CNN.
The President will also likely encounter widespread Red Cross relief operations.
In response to the massive outbreak of storms in recent weeks, the American Red Cross currently has disaster relief operations underway in 11 states, with more than 2,800 Red Cross staff and volunteers on hand to directly meet victims' needs.
Call the Red Cross Hotline
1-866-GET-INFO, for:
Shelter locations
Assistance Programs
Information on Affected Areas
Disaster Safety and Preparedness Information
Or call 1-800-HELP NOW to make a donation
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With the Disaster Relief Fund teetering at a dangerously low level, dedicated Red Cross volunteers persist in relief efforts, believing the American public will continue to help the Red Cross help disaster victims by making donations to the fund.
"The support of the American public allows the work of the Red Cross to be accomplished," stated Debbie Hampton, CEO of the Central Oklahoma Chapter. "These communities came forward four years ago after the May 3rd F-5 tornado and are doing it again now."
After thousands suffered during the latest round of storms that hit Oklahoma, a recent benefit concert featuring Willie Nelson and Billy Bob Thornton in Oklahoma City will help prolong the work of more than 200 Red Cross disaster workers in the state.
Officials in the Sooner State estimate damages within their borders alone already exceed $100 million.
With $1 of each ticket sold going to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and donations given by concert-goers, more than $4,000 was raised during the event. Many involved in the relief effort, though, understand the devastating effects of tornadoes firsthand.
A Red Cross volunteer explains to Billy Bob Thornton the various facets involved in the Red Cross relief operation underway in Oklahoma City.
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"Growing up in Arkansas, I grew up knowing two words - Elvis and funnel [cloud]", said Billy Bob Thornton. "I have personally experienced the destruction of tornadoes and understand how hard it can be."
During the most recent rash of storms, forty-five people died, more than 12,000 homes were damaged and 434 funnel clouds were spotted between May 1 and May 10. Over Mother's Day weekend, more tornadoes touched down in Tennessee, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Missouri.
The immense number of storms spring from the combination of an active jet stream and masses of warm, moist air over the central U.S. In recent weeks, the jet stream sent numerous low-pressure systems across the heartland which collided with lingering humid air, resulting in powerful storm system that became perfect incubators for tornadoes.
Since tornado season stretches into July, the Red Cross is continuing preparedness efforts in tornado-prone communities and across the United States.
Current Red Cross disaster relief services are stretched and depleting the Disaster Relief Fund. As this tornado season continues and hurricane season approaches, one large storm could deplete the balance of the fund completely.
You can help the Red Cross assist victims of this and thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. You can make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross also supplies nearly half of the nation's lifesaving blood. This, too, is made possible by generous voluntary donations. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. You can make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. To donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or contact your local Red Cross to find out about upcoming blood drives.
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