A group of local and area residents are planning to caravan to Moore, Oklahoma to help the town in the aftermath of the tornado. The F5 tornado, with winds of 200 mph, struck Monday, May 20 and killed 24 people, eight of those children, injured over 200, and damaged 5000 buildings.
Mindy Stephan of Switzerland County said she and several others from Madison, Versailles and Switzerland County plan to leave May 31 taking a 15- passenger van and several other vehicles, hopefully loaded with supplies. They have been in contact with the Salvation Army and Red Cross in Madison, who have given them approval to organize a caravan. Local auto dealerships are donating the van.
She said they are in need of donations, such as gift cards for gas to get there, and gift cards to use to purchase needed items once they arrive and see the need. "A lot of people want to help and this is one way to do so," she said.
They are looking for items including hand sanitizers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, plus first aid kits, diapers, baby wipes and bottles.
If you want to donate call her at (812)599-5111. Ripley Publishing at 115 S. Washington Street in Versailles will serve as a drop off center during regular business hours for this effort.
John Ryle, the Southeastern Indiana Red Cross chapter executive director, said they have received many calls for donations. "The best thing to give is cash, and to a reputable organization," he said. That way they can then use it to buy supplies that are needed. For example, they are currently feeding the thousands of disaster workers and could use funds to provide meals.
He recalled the firehouse at Holton last March was full of donated clothing and it took a dozen people to sort through it. "That in itself became a nightmare, with where to put it, where to store it" he added.
Ryle said while intentions are usually sincere, it's not a good idea to just get in your car and head to the disaster site to help. People should first get clearance through an organization. People who wish to make a donation can visit redcross.org, dial 1-800-REDCROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word
A group of local and area residents are planning to caravan to Moore, Oklahoma to help the town in the aftermath of the tornado. The F5 tornado, with winds of 200 mph, struck Monday, May 20 and killed 24 people, eight of those children, injured over 200, and damaged 5000 buildings.
Mindy Stephan of Switzerland County said she and several others from Madison, Versailles and Switzerland County plan to leave May 31 taking a 15- passenger van and several other vehicles, hopefully loaded with supplies. They have been in contact with the Salvation Army and Red Cross in Madison, who have given them approval to organize a caravan. Local auto dealerships are donating the van.
She said they are in need of donations, such as gift cards for gas to get there, and gift cards to use to purchase needed items once they arrive and see the need. "A lot of people want to help and this is one way to do so," she said.
They are looking for items including hand sanitizers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, plus first aid kits, diapers, baby wipes and bottles.
If you want to donate call her at (812)599-5111. Ripley Publishing at 115 S. Washington Street in Versailles will serve as a drop off center during regular business hours for this effort.
John Ryle, the Southeastern Indiana Red Cross chapter executive director, said they have received many calls for donations. "The best thing to give is cash, and to a reputable organization," he said. That way they can then use it to buy supplies that are needed. For example, they are currently feeding the thousands of disaster workers and could use funds to provide meals.
He recalled the firehouse at Holton last March was full of donated clothing and it took a dozen people to sort through it. "That in itself became a nightmare, with where to put it, where to store it" he added.
Ryle said while intentions are usually sincere, it's not a good idea to just get in your car and head to the disaster site to help. People should first get clearance through an organization. People who wish to make a donation can visit redcross.org, dial 1-800-REDCROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word "STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word "Yes."
Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to: The Salvation Army PO Box 12600 Oklahoma City, OK 73157
STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word "Yes."
Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to: The Salvation Army PO Box 12600 Oklahoma City, OK 73157