Kansas town was struck by a tornado Monday. How to help Hillsdale storm recovery
Residents of Hillsdale, Kansas, are banding together to collect clothing and supplies for those displaced by a tornado that tore through their community.
Winds reaching more than 100 miles-per-hour ripped through Hillsdale on Monday evening, leaving damaged homes and roads in their wake. Numerous people lost power in the small Miami County town.
As of Tuesday morning, a local elementary school, the Hillsdale Learning Center, is instead being used by the Red Cross as a shelter for those who lived in the more than 50 homes affected by the storm. The center, located at 22795 W. 255th Street, has also become a known drop-off point for area donations.
“Residents who have been affected or who may be impacted by incoming storms are welcome to come to the shelter,” according to a Red Cross news release.
The organization is working with local officials, first responders and the community to assess how it can support Hillsdale in the coming days, according to the release.
People can also visit the Hillsdale Learning Center to pick up a $50 voucher to a local thrift store, Village Thrift, in Paola.
“We are also sharing our Maternal Closet resources, which are always available to families in need - which offers free diapers, formula, lactation supplies and breast pumps,” Village Thrift wrote on its social media site.
Team Dominator Storm Recovery, a nonprofit organization that travels to different communities after natural disasters hit, said they have four people on the ground who have been delivering water and supplies between Hillsdale and Ottawa, Kansas, which also saw significant damage from the storm.
Erik Murray, a Wyandotte County resident and candidate for U.S. Senate, announced in a statement Tuesday afternoon that he planned to divert any donations to his campaign, made in the next week, toward storm recovery efforts.
“If you can, I invite you to contribute this week knowing your support will go directly toward helping Kansas families begin the difficult work of rebuilding,” according to the statement.
Carrie Johns, an Osawatomie resident, said she’s collecting donations for Hillsdale and surrounding communities affected by Monday’s storm. Johns asked that anyone who wants to contribute food or essential items reach out to her via Facebook or by phone at 913-731-1304.
Johns plans to make daily drop offs at the Hillsdale Learning Center each afternoon. She also plans to prepare and deliver meals for people working on the ground, she said.
