Food Donation Helping People In Rogers County Still Affected By Tornado Damage

Claremore and Rogers County Disaster Assistance received a donation from the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Wednesday morning.

Pallets of canned goods were unloaded at Catholic Charities and will go to replenishing the food pantries in Claremore. Once they are fully restocked, the rest will go to victims of the tornado that hit in May, who will be able to come by and take what they need.

It's been two months since the tornado left homes and businesses destroyed in Claremore. While it may be easy for those unaffected to move on with life, some still need help.

"You take for granted going home every day," said Blake Tumlinson, a volunteer. "Being in your house and having to see these people struggle, struggle to even get food, we all can be a helping hand to them all."

Volunteers are coming together to provide that helping hand in the way of food.

From apples to canned goods, Debbie Long, the Mayor of Claremore, hopes this donation will help those who are still struggling.

"We have four food pantries in Claremore, and we have been in contact with them pretty much since the beginning, and we have heard over and over again we are dry. We are running dry because of the need," she said.

After speaking with FEMA experts, Long says the rebuilding process could take up to two years.

She's overwhelmed by the recovery process but grateful for the support from groups like the Church of Latter-day Saints.

"Going through the beginning and even up to today, and we understand now that the process, the long term-recover process, can take up to two years. So my reaction is it's overwhelming but also very rewarding to be able to help people when they really need it," she said.

The Disaster Assistance Group will text those who have applied and let them know where they can pick up the food. It's first come, first served.

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