There are at least 80 deaths reported so far from the nearly 100 tornadoes that barreled through Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, as far north as Missouri, and as far south as Texas over the weekend. These storms have left communities in devastation and residents without homes.
 
Gleaning For The World is gearing up to do what Gleaning For The World does best: help the victims of these storms by meeting tangible needs and bringing hope to distraught communities. Currently, Gleaning’s team is reaching out to their Midwest partners to determine who needs the most help, immediately.
 
Gleaning For The World representatives will be in front of Sam’s Club in Lynchburg tomorrow, April 30, and Wednesday, May 1, 10am until 6pm each day, collecting disaster relief supplies which will be delivered directly into areas impacted by these storms.
 
After 25+ years of helping in the aftermath of natural disasters, the staff at Gleaning knows exactly what displaced families and individuals need at a time like this: nonperishable foods, cases of water bottles, baby supplies, hygiene items (including toothbrushes, soap/shampoo, feminine hygiene products, and adult diapers), shelter supplies (paper kitchen products, plastic totes with lids), and household items for cleanup and muck-out processes (large trash bags, mops, brooms, laundry detergent, etc.)
 
“We are just at the beginning of tornado season,” Gleaning’s president, Jeane Smiley-Mason explained. “We hope this destructive series of storms is not an indicator of what’s to come this year, but we stand ready to help wherever and whenever we are able. Gleaning serves as a vessel – a connection point between those needing help and those wanting to donate. Our community has continuously stepped up and helped victims of natural disasters in the past, and we’re looking for your help once again. Whether you can donate tangible products, give a financial donation to help cover delivery fees, or join us in prayer, we thank you for being part of Gleaning For The World. Your help makes a difference!”
 
All donations must be brand new, unused, and in unopened packages. The organization will be parked in front of Sam’s, however donations can be purchased at any store. Financial donations can be given in person at the collection, online at GFTW.org, or by a check mailed to GFTW PO Box 645 Concord, VA 24538 (please indicate “tornado” on the check memo line). 
 
Financial donations and tangible goods can also be dropped off at Gleaning’s Volunteer Center located at 7539 Stage Road in Concord, Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can call 434-993-3600 for more information on how to help.