Tornado in Tornado Land

 The last 9 days have been quite an experience for our community. Late in the evening of July 7 a tornado struck our small town. (Ironically, the school mascot is the "Eureka Tornados"). Many homes were damaged, some completely destroyed, and everything normal went by the wayside. Volunteers from across the county and across the state appeared to help with the clean up efforts.

 Food has always been a way of offering comfort to those in need and a way of saying 'thank you' to those who are helping. When the Red Cross needed assistance with meals for volunteers and those whose homes were damaged, our Community LinC (Love in the name of Christ) group was a natural to offer help. Having a group of volunteers who regularly serve two meals a month of 150-200 plates has given us some experience with quantity foods. We also have been fortunate to receive donations to allow us a pantry of food items and paper serving supplies. Much food was donated by restaurants, both in our communities and surrounding communities, and by individuals, thus making the preparations of meals much simpler.

Over the four days following the tornado of Thursday evening, thousands of meals were served. Everything from donuts or biscuits and gravy for breakfast, to pizza, to pulled pork for lunch or dinner. The generousity of volunteers and givers was heartwarming. This is what it is like to live in a caring community.

The food service supplier even delivered to
the meal site. 

There was fruit salad...

and watermelon...

and barbecued chicken....

we asked for cookies, and they came
in dozens at a time.

 Many to-go plates were sent

out to workers in the affected

areas. 

Volunteers came before church...

after work, and on their days off, or took days off...

Everyone helped!