• Cindy Fuller

Neighbors Helping Neighbors After Devastating Elk City, Oklahoma Tornado

The Salvation Army of Altus, Oklahoma remains on site in Elk City, Oklahoma where survivors, first responders and volunteers continue to help each other with clean up efforts.   To date 505 meals, 734 drinks and 905 snacks have been served.   Volunteers have served 115 hours plus an additional 82 hours have been provided by an officer and employee.  Additionally, emotional and spiritual care has been provided to 20 individuals.

The Altus canteen (Mobile Feeding Unit) has been parked in a driveway of a home in one of the hardest hit neighborhoods.   Major Ben Walters, Altus Corps Officer, and those serving with him have met many people, including a group of volunteers helping the owners of the property where the canteen is located. 

While taking a short break, Brannan Duncan, Pastor of One Church in Elk City, explained there were seven families in his congregation who lost everything.  The home in which they were helping clean out items to take to a storage unit belonged to a couple who attend One Church.  Duncan lives less than a mile away and had taken shelter with his family when the tornado struck. They thought it was headed for their property. After it passed, he felt the need to check on others.  He stated “As I drove over the hill and saw the devastation, I was sick to my stomach.  Many of the families affected were friends and members of our church.”

Along with Duncan, several members of the church took leave from work this past week to help.  Duncan stated “We believe in taking care of family and serving as the hands and feet of Christ.”   It was not coincidental this statement came up in several conversations during the course of a day as most everyone helping feels they are on earth to help their neighbor.

How to Help Elk City:
Monetary donations remain the most critical need as supplies and personnel move into the area.

Online:             disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

By Phone:        Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)

By Mail:           Make checks payable to “The Salvation Army” and clearly marked “Elk City Tornado”.

The Salvation Army
PO Box 53068

Oklahoma City, OK 73152

Donations of Household Good and Clothing: 
Due to the emergency, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. PLEASE continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.