How You Can Help Moore, Oklahoma
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - Last week's massive tornado that devastated Moore, Okla. has left many homeless and without basic supplies and food. Thanks to Pittsburghers and local charity groups like Brother's Brother, our area has already sent truckloads of supplies and monetary donations to help, but more is needed.
Supplies in Moore are being managed by ServeMoore, an organization of government entities, businesses, and churches that distribute supplies and help the displaced find places to live. According to Julie Hodgeden, a volunteer coordinator with ServeMoore and the Church of the Harvest in Norman, Okla., the need will linger long past a few weeks.
"We're setting up to be ServeMoore headquarters for at least two years,"Hodgeden said. "That is the expected time to rebuild this community."
KDKA-AM's John Shumway talked to Hodgeden about how people affected by the tornado are coping, and what needs they have from us.
"We've been overwhelmed with clothing and items like that, and although they are needed, they're not needed as much as the supplies we're getting. The needs are moving towards clean up needs and construction needs."
A big need, says Hodgeden, is plastic bins. People are salvaging what they can, sometimes in the rain, and they need dry places to store their things. They also need tools and cleaning supplies for those who had only slight damage to their homes.
Hodgeden says that if you want to help, call 1-866-484-3500 or visit http://servemoore.com/. There, you can find out what is needed, as well as how you can volunteer if you are considering heading out there.
And Hodgeden can't say enough about the overwhelming response from people in our area and from all over the country.
"We couldn't do it without everyone out there supporting us."
