Tornadoes Tear Through the Heartland

Leap Day only comes around every four years; this year’s Leap Day shocked the nation with destruction and tragedy. In the wee hours of the morning on February 29, 2012, strong winds and tornadoes tore through multiple locations across the Midwest.

According to The Weather Channel, "Seven states across the nation's Heartland were victimized by tornadoes that rushed through towns like Harrisburg, Ill., Branson, Mo. and Harveyville, Kansas, leaving millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. In all, 13 people died and over 30 tornadoes have been confirmed across seven states."

In the Central United States, The Salvation Army responded to tornadoes reported in Harveyville, Kansas; in Buffalo, Branson, Cassville, Lebanon, and Oak Ridge, Missouri; and in Harrisburg, Illinois.

The Salvation Army Midland Division has reached out to the affected areas in Illinois and Missouri.

In Harrisburg, Illinois, the area which seems to have been the hardest hit, The Salvation Army was quick to respond and served hot meals at a local Wal-Mart to first responders and those affected. Another Canteen (mobile feeding unit) from Kankakee, Illinois, is stationed in the town and has served Police, Fire and other city workers throughout the night. At this time, Canteen feeding services are planned for 3 to 5 days, at which point The Salvation Army will adopt long term service strategy.

The Branson Salvation Army Corps Community Center significant damage in the storm and is currently not accessible. On Wednesday, The Salvation Army focused primarily on meeting the immediate needs of those in the most heavily damaged areas of Branson, which were along Highway 76. The Springfield Canteen traveled throughout the Branson area feeding those in need. Emotional and spiritual care was also available for anyone in need.

In Kimberling City, Missouri, an additional feeding site was established with six EDS crew members from Joplin, Missouri. It was established Tuesday and was stationed there overnight.

The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division are assisting the community of Harveyville, Kansas whose town was reduced to ruins after the storms came through. A Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) team from Topeka, Kansas provided drinks, meals and snacks to more to more than 300 people Wednesday, including first responders, survivors and repair crews.

The Salvation Army will continue mass feeding operations in Harveyville Thursday as clean-up efforts begin in earnest, and is also providing emotional and spiritual care services to those in need.

HOW TO HELP

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
Donations for the Missouri and Harrisburg Tornadoes should be directed to:
1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a donation by credit card. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, PO Box 21787, St. Louis, MO 63109. Please designate the gift "Storm Relief." Cell phone users may also text the word ARCH to 80888 to make a $10 donation

Donations for the Harveyville, Kansas Tornado should be directed to:
1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Please designate the donation "Harveyville Tornado."