“Garrett’s willingness to help the individuals affected by the tornadoes is an example of the tremendous generosity we are seeing every day in our community”
A Jefferson City boy donated $320 in proceeds from his lemonade stand to the American Red Cross at the shelter at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School today. The shelter at 1201 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, opened shortly after the tornadoes hit the community on May 22.
Garrett Sommerer, age 11, of Jefferson City, wanted to do something to help those impacted by the recent tornado, so he decided to sell lemonade with the help of his mother, Heather Irvin, and raised $320. On Friday, May 24, he sold five gallons of lemonade at a corner stand he set up near his home. Sommerer said he felt good because he was helping people. Asked ‘what was the secret ingredient to his lemonade,’ he said, "Love."
Today, Sommerer came to the shelter to present the money and sign an oversized presentation check.
“Garrett’s willingness to help the individuals affected by the tornadoes is an example of the tremendous generosity we are seeing every day in our community,” said Abigail Anderson, executive director of the American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri. “We are so grateful for Garrett’s amazing efforts and for his mother’s support and for those who donated to his lemonade stand to help the Red Cross.”
Sommerer met with one of the shelter residents, Jerome Ruff, and talked with one of the shelter workers, Diana Sommer. He was provided a new blanket as a ‘thank you’ from Red Cross.
Two shelters remain open
Overnight Sunday, 39 individuals stayed in the Red Cross shelters in Jefferson City and Eldon overnight. The two shelters remain open in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that hit Jefferson City Wednesday night:
Items to bring include clothing for a few days, bedding, toiletries, essential medication, and items for your children. Anyone who needs to find a shelter may visit redcross.org/shelter, download the free Red Cross Emergency App or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
12 animals currently in temporary pet shelter available for those staying at shelter in Jefferson City
Two dogs and 10 cats are currently being sheltered by the Humane Society of Missouri’s temporary pet shelter. It is available for individuals who are staying overnight at the Red Cross Shelter at Thomas Jefferson Middle School at 1201 Fairgrounds Road in Jefferson City. The pet shelter is in the parking lot outside the school so those at the shelter can visit their animals as they wish.
The pet shelter is air conditioned and can house up to approximately 20 pets. The Humane Society is providing food and water to the animals of those staying at the Red Cross shelter.
The Humane Society’s temporary pet shelter also has some free pet food and supplies available to anyone affected by this week’s tornado. Residents who need it should go to the shelter at 1201 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City.
Items donated to shelter from public are available to those who need it; Public asked to hold off on additional donations of items at this time
Residents affected by the storms may go to the shelters for items donated by the public.
The shelters in Jefferson City and Eldon have received numerous donations such as clothing and toiletries and are requesting the public to hold off on any additional items at this time. The Red Cross is working with community partners to determine a specific location that is able to take additional items for individuals affected by the tornado and the information will be provided as it becomes available.
During and after disasters, financial donations enable the Red Cross to help people recover from disasters big and small. Call, click, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or donate online at www.redcross.org.
