Disaster Relief Groups Offer Helping Hand To Tornado Victims
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Relief groups wasted no time deploying to north central Illinois on Thursday, after two powerful tornadoes ripped through the towns of Fairdale and Rochelle.
The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross have set up shelters for victims, served hot meals to first responders, and provided other relief supplies as residents dig out, and begin the slow recovery process.
Red Cross spokeswoman Patricia Kemp said the organization is setting up efforts to help communities affected by the storms.
"We'll be out there assessing the damage, and working with the municipalities, to get food and any disaster relief supplies to people out there," she said.
The Salvation Army and Red Cross both have set up operations in Kirkland, the neighboring town to Fairdale.
Three Salvation Army canteens were serving hot and cold sandwiches overnight; and providing snacks, water, and Gatorade to emergency crews who were searching the rubble and evacuating residents. Two of those canteens remained on site Friday morning to serve breakfast.
"Our focus throughout the night was to provide support on location for the fire and rescue teams to aid in a smooth evacuation effort," said Salvation Army Maj. David Dalberg. "This morning we are readying to continue to support any continued search efforts, and to be here to serve local residents and families in the hours and days ahead once the area is safe for them to return to and begin clean-up and rebuilding."
The Salvation Army centers in Rockford and Belvidere will serve as permanent service locations for victims in need of emotional and spiritual support.
The Red Cross also has opened a shelter at the high school in Rochelle, for people with nowhere else to go.
"Our volunteers are with them. I just spoke to one of our volunteers, who is managing the shelter, and she said that the residents are just still in a state of shock," Kemp said.
Donations to the Salvation Army's tornado relief efforts can be made at www.salarmychicago.org/donate, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. To make an automatic $10 donation for local disaster response efforts, text SACHICAGO to 80888.
The Salvation Army also encouraged volunteers to donate clothing and other gently-used household goods to local thrift stores, which help fill needs of disaster victims.
You can also make donations to the local Red Cross chapter by clicking here.
