Ways To Help East Texans Affected By Tornadoes

The National Weather Service has confirmed six tornadoes (so far) that ripped through East Texas this past Saturday, the worst of them in Canton, Fruitvale, Eustace and Emory. These tornadoes took almost everything from some people while leaving debris and damage behind for others. At times like this it is great to see everyone come together as one community to help out each other. There are no lines, no division, nothing but care. East Texans and others coming together for the good of humanity.

During these times we feel the need to help out, whether it's donating a case of water, non-perishable food or our time and skills to help others, we want to help out. Volunteer efforts are underway in the affected communities with volunteers checking in at various headquarters throughout the area to help with debris cleanup, downed tree removal and to assist in the rebuilding process.

Donation centers have been set up as well in the affected areas, accepting things like:

• cleaning supplies
• trash bags
• baby items
• baby formula
• non-perishable food items
• gift cards
• accepting monetary gifts
• personal hygiene items
• towels
• blankets
• clothes (as some locations)

Here are a few ways to help out with the recovery effort:

• American Red Cross - make monetary donations so they may purchase things of necessity for the clean up effort at RedCross.org
• First United Methodist Church Canton
  600 S. Buffalo - Canton
  This is a centralized location where residents may pick up items they need and a place where others may drop off items to be distributed.
• Champion EMS
  101 Industrial Blvd. - Canton
  This location is accepting water donations and is located behind the Canton Fire Department on Hwy 19